5. Protect your purchases while traveling
Pack your cactus in two bags and close the lid to protect it from the cold. Avoid leaving these plants in a cold vehicle.
Optimize your find
Christmas cacti are generally hardy. Even if the plant loses buds this year, you can ensure it blooms beautifully next year by following my complete guide to Christmas cactus care.
How to tell Thanksgiving cactus from Christmas cactus
At first glance, they look identical, but upon closer inspection, the differences become apparent.
Thanksgiving cactus – Schlumbergera truncata :
The segments have serrated edges.
Christmas cactus – Schlumbergera buckleyi :
The cladodes of the Christmas cactus have rounded nodules.
(If you find one with oval and indented segments, it's a rare Easter cactus.)
To get a true Christmas cactus, ask a friend or family member for a cutting. If that proves difficult, check out platforms like Etsy or eBay. Make sure you get a true Christmas cactus and not a Thanksgiving cactus. Pay attention to the knots!
