The Thanksgiving Cactus ‘Schlumbergera Truncata’

Which are your favorite cacti plants for indoor planting?

The Thanksgiving cactus can easily slide into any cactus lover’s favorites list. You will never get it wrong with a Schlumbergera Truncata plant, from a beautiful blooming season to being easy to grow.

This article will take you through the essential facts about the Thanksgiving cactus. Read on to learn more about how to best care for this plant. You will also find what to expect during different eventualities.

Introducing the Thanksgiving Cactus

The Thanksgiving cactus plant is a tropical cactus, with its native home being in the gigantic rain forests of South America. If you own the tropical plant, never treat it like the rest of the desert cacti plants. In its native land, you will find it perched on trees, making it epiphytic.

The naming of this plant is pretty unique as it dons a long list of nicknames. The equally fantastic cactus plant belongs to the Cactaceae family, Schlumbergera genus, and Truncata plant species.

Be sure to also check out “What Adaptations Does a Cactus Have?” to see how a cactus can adapt to different environments.

Some nicknames for Schlumbergera Truncata are

• Crab cactus
• Yoke cactus
• Linkleaf plant
• Claw cactus

Don’t be surprised to hear some succulent lovers referring to the Thanksgiving cactus as a holiday cactus. Of course, Thanksgiving is a holiday. But there is a twist as holiday cacti plants are formed by an exciting group of plants that bloom over different holidays.

Look out for its physical appearance and blooming time to differentiate the Thanksgiving cactus from other holiday cacti. It’s the closest sibling. The Christmas cactus dons smoothness and scalloped stems. The lateness in blooming also sets it apart from the Thanksgiving cactus.

The appearance of the Thanksgiving cactus is highlighted by indented stems that have the look of a crab’s claws hence its names, the crab cactus and claw cactus. The rain forest succulent stems have a midrib that connects different segments.

Check out why so many people flock to the cacti plants species as their go-to succulent choice. Check out “What Is Special About A Cactus?” for more!

Caring for the Epiphytic Thanksgiving Cactus

What are the right conditions for growing a Schlumbergera Truncata? Here are the correct standards for caring for your tropical rainforest cactus as you look forward to the petals of its beautiful flowers.

1. Watering

Watering the epiphytic cactus will utterly need not leave your cactus sogged in too much water. A dry growing medium will make it wither or dry up, while too much water encourages fungal attacks. Water your plant minimally when Fall sets in through Spring.

2. Humidity

High humidity levels characterize the tropical rainforests of South America. The tall trees that form huge canopies help in maintaining the high humidity. Your plant will happily grow and bloom if you can achieve an average of 50% humidity around it. A pebble tray will work fine enough to reach the optimal humidity levels.

3. Temperature

You must have noticed that the right conditions for the Thanksgiving cactus mimic its origin. Temperature is not an exception. The required daytime temperatures are 16-18°C, while the nights need between 7-13°C. These ranges are perfect when waiting for the plant to bloom. When budding, daytime temperatures should be 21-24°C and 16-21°C at night.

Using a grow light at home? Make sure you go check out “Are Grow Lights Bad for My Succulents” to see if you’re using that grow light correctly for your succulents plants.

4. Soil

All cacti plants thrive in well-drained soils, and the Schlumbergera Truncata is not any different. Soils that retain too much water encourage fungi. Your succulent will do even better if you incorporate a soluble fertilizer into the ground. Adding fertilizer can be done per fortnight only when the plant grows until the blooms are no more.

Try making your own succulent soil at home by checking out “How to Make Your Own Succulent Soil at Home.”

5. Propagation

The Thanksgiving cactus is everything about ‘thanks.’ The plant is easy to propagate, making it a beautiful little gift for your loved ones. They will be saying lots of thank you.

So how do you propagate the Thanksgiving cactus?

Use a sharp and sterile cutting object when making your cut of its segmented stems. Ensure that you take 2-3 segments with you and ensure that it is a clean cut. Allow the cut surface to be insensitive for some days before putting on a well-draining growing medium.

6. Light

Thanksgiving cactus do well when exposed to bright light.

MAKE SURE ALSO TO READ:

• What is Proplifting? (Newbie Friendly Guide)
• Mysterious Christmas Cactus – Schlumbergera Bridgesii
• 8 Best Indoor Cacti You Need to Have

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The Thanksgiving cactus is a great plant to have around you. Growing it will never get you disappointed.

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Thank you for reading! Happy Planting!