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Thanksgiving Cactus

Schlumbergera truncata

houseplant

verifiedReviewed by the GreenScout Team

Thanksgiving Cactus is a tropical epiphytic cactus with segmented, jagged-edged stems and stunning flowers that bloom in autumn around Thanksgiving. It is very similar to Christmas Cactus but flowers earlier and has more pronounced serrated leaf margins. This houseplant is long-lived and reliable, thriving with moderate light and consistent moisture.

Common Problems

Select the problem your Thanksgiving Cactus is experiencing to get a treatment guide.

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Dropping Leaveschevron_right

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Root Rotchevron_right

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Wiltingchevron_right

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Brown Tipschevron_right

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Overwateringchevron_right

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Leggy Growthchevron_right

Care Guide

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Light

Bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh direct sun but provide good ambient light throughout the year.

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Water

Keep soil consistently moist during growing season (spring–summer). Reduce watering in autumn but maintain moderate moisture levels; do not allow complete drying.

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Soil

Use well-draining potting mix enriched with peat moss or orchid bark to mimic epiphytic conditions.

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Fertiliser

Feed monthly during spring and summer with balanced or phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Stop feeding by late September to encourage autumn blooming.

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Temperature

Maintain temperatures between 65–75°F (18–24°C). Cooler nights (50–60°F/10–15°C) in late summer and early autumn help trigger flowering.

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Humidity

Moderate to high humidity (40–60%) is beneficial. Mist regularly or place on a pebble tray.

Toxicity

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Completely non-toxic to humans and pets.

Common Diseases

filter_dramaRoot Rotchevron_right scienceBotrytis Grey Mouldchevron_right

Common Pests

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Seasonal Care

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Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.

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Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.

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Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.

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Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Thanksgiving Cactus and Christmas Cactus?

They're very similar, but Thanksgiving Cactus flowers earlier, around the autumn holiday, and has more pronounced serrated (jagged-edged) segment margins compared to Christmas Cactus's smoother, more rounded edges.

How do I get my Thanksgiving Cactus to bloom?

Stop feeding by late September and let it experience cooler nights of 50–60°F in late summer and early autumn — this temperature drop is what triggers the autumn flowering this plant is named for.