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Schlumbergera truncata

Previously known as:

  • Zygocactus truncatus
Phonetic Spelling
shlum-BER-ger-uh trunk-AH-tuh
Description

This tough epiphytic succulent has showy flowers that bloom in the winter, usually around Thanksgiving, hence the most popular common name Thanksgiving Cactus. It is also known by many other common names and is sometimes confused with the true Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi). You can tell them apart because the Thanksgiving Cactus has claw-like appendages on its flat stems (or cladodes) that resemble crab claws, hence of of its other common names Crab Cactus. The blooms on this cactus are erect and do not hang down like the flowers on Schlumbergera x buckleyi. Although this plant is a cactus (family Cactaceae), it prefers the higher humidity of its native Brazilian rainforests. It does not do well in hot arid environments like other cacti. It can grow outside in zones 10 through 12, but in colder zones, it must be grown as a houseplant.  

Plant it in a good draining succulent potting mix and place it in a warm room (57 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit) that receives bright light in the winter and high humidity. In the summer it will need some shade or the stems will turn yellow. Because of their high humidity, bathrooms are a popular spot for growing this plant. Do not overwater this plant. If you are lucky it will bloom a second time as the days lengthen in February. Or you can force it into blooming by exposure to night temperatures of 40 degrees for several successive nights.

When new growth starts in the spring fertilize monthly, reducing fertilizer in the fall and early winter. Repot the plant every three years or so, as it does well being slightly pot-bound.  

It easily propagates through stem cuttings. Remove two or three stem segments with a sharp knife and let it callous over for a few days. Plant in moist, well-draining potting mix and water when the potting mix is completely dry. The stems will take root after a few weeks. Most of the plants sold in stores today are sterile hybrids of S. russelliana and S. truncata. There are over 200 cultivars of these plants giving a variety of flower colors.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Reduced flowering or dropping of flower buds can be from inadequate dark hours (at least 13 uninterrupted hours), sudden temperature, moisture, or light changes.  Aphids, red spider mites, scale, and mealybugs are common insect pests.  Root rot can be a problem with overwatered plants.

Quick ID

  • Cladodes with acuminate teeth
  • Flowers elongated tube, zygomorphic
  • Flowers in shades of pink, orange, or white, apex strongly oblique

 

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Schlumbergera.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#houseplant#white flowers#succulent#easy to grow#pink flowers#red flowers#yellow flowers#fleshy leaves#epiphytic#tough plant#interiorscape#winter interest#pet friendly#herbaceous perennial#easy to propagate#fantz#humidity tolerant#winter flowers#Christmas decorations#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#houseplant#white flowers#succulent#easy to grow#pink flowers#red flowers#yellow flowers#fleshy leaves#epiphytic#tough plant#interiorscape#winter interest#pet friendly#herbaceous perennial#easy to propagate#fantz#humidity tolerant#winter flowers#Christmas decorations#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Schlumbergera
    Species:
    truncata
    Family:
    Cactaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Brazil's rain forests
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    humidity
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Epiphyte
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Perennial
    Succulent
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Rounded
    Weeping
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Orange
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Winter
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Petals:
    asymmetrical petals
    Tepals
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    A seasonal bloomer mostly in November or December but can re-bloom in February. Buds form on the terminal end of the stem. Flowers are zygomorphic (meaning there is only one way you can cut the flower in half and get two mirror images), showy, colorful, tubular, perfect (have stamen and pistil), composed of tepals. It is called the Christmas cactus because it generally blooms around Christmas time. The flowering period lasts about five weeks.
  • Leaves:
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Description:
    Technically, this plant does not have true leaves. See stem section.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Pink
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Buds:
    Hairy tips
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    The "leaves" of a Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) are technically not leaves: they are cladodes, which are flattened, green stems that function like leaves. The cladodes are sessile (attached to each other, flattened, lobed and truncate, feel smooth, and are distinctly serrated in their margins, a means of distinguishing them from other species. They are glossy but not glaucous, segmented, thick, and have hairs coming off of them on the end. On the stem are areoles where hair and flowers emerge.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Landscape Theme:
    Rock Garden
    Winter Garden
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Humidity