Who would have thought that a cactus would be a representation of Christmas? When we think of cactus we generally think of a green prickly plant, not the stockings, the warm fireplace, or other holiday scenery. To add to the confusion, when most of us think of this beautiful plant that blooms this time of year, we believe it to be a Christmas cactus when it’s most likely to be a Thanksgiving cactus. The Christmas variety is extremely rare.
The history of Christmas cactus reveals even more of the mystery. Many botanists insist that Schlumbergera x buckleyi is the original, true Christmas cactus. This hybrid has all but disappeared and is a treasure among collectors. The form Schlumbergera truncata is the parent of the majority of the holiday cacti available today. It is actually quite different from S. buckleyi, with an asymmetrical flower and wings on the ovary. It is available in shades of white, pink, rose, and yellow, while the original Christmas cactus was white with a pale pink throat.
Regardless of which one you really have blooming about now, they are stunning. The hanging branches, which are made up of flat, glossy green segments, can grow to up to 3 feet long. Flowers appear at the tips of these branches and 
measure up to 3 inches long with several tiers of petals. Each bloom lasts for several days, and the entire flowering period will span several weeks. But in order to keep these plants looking beautiful, you need to follow all the steps involved with proper care.
There are certain factors that can help — or hinder — your cactus’s potential. For example, this Brazilian coastal plant favors more humid conditions than desert-dwelling species do.
- Soil: Use a quality soil rich in humus and other nutrients.
- Temperature: Maintain an optimal climate of 65 degrees.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist while your plant is blooming, misting it frequently.
- Light: Place the cactus in an east-facing window for moderate light and some direct sun.
- Fertilization: Apply a high-potassium fertilizer every two weeks once buds form.
With proper care, these cacti can live for decades. Can you imagine passing along a plant to your children or granchildren that will bloom each year during the holidays? It would truly be the gift that keeps on giving. And n the end, it’s a stunning display no matter whether it’s really a Thanksgiving or a Christmas cactus.
