Thanksgiving cactus blooms around November. The Thanksgiving holiday cactus is a simple to grow indoor plant. Both Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti belong to the Schlumbergera genus and are local to the tropical woodlands of Brazil. They are appealing plants regularly sold and given as a gift for the holidays but at the same time are anything but difficult to propagate from stem cuttings.
Schlumbergera truncata is the Thanksgiving cactus. It is called a leaf cactus but is not a true cactus. Rather it is an epiphyte, those plants which live on other plants. The leaves are expansive and flat with slight serrations on the edges in the Thanksgiving versus Christmas cactus, which has smoother edges. The blossoms that show up in fall are like fuchsia sprouts and come in tints of yellow, white, pink and red.
These plants are classed as Zygocactus, which a few researchers call a misnomer, while others yell it from the rooftop tops. Whatever kind of plant it is, the Thanksgiving cactus is a champ, with sprouts that keep going for 2 to 4 months and a nice nature. The main genuine issue with the plant is its need to be fooled in order to bloom again the next year. Constraining Thanksgiving cactus to sprout requires cool temperatures and shorter light hours.
That means if you live in a region with no frost, you can leave the cactus outside to experience just what is naturally occurring. Those of us who live where temperatures get cold will have to create false conditions indoors to protect them from the cold, but can experience cool temps down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 C.) and reduced light, including artificial light. Start forcing Thanksgiving cactus to bloom in late summer to early fall.
Thanksgiving Cactus Plant Care
One of the most crucial aspects of Thanksgiving cactus plant care is water. These tropical plants should not be allowed to dry out; however, excess water at the roots can cause rotting and fungal issues. As an epiphyte, it often has exposed roots and gathers most of its moisture through humidity in the air. Potted plants need well-draining soil and good drainage. Water thoroughly and then allow the top 1/3 of soil dry out before you water again.
Growing Thanksgiving Cactus Cuttings
The plants are easy to propagate and multiply. Snip off a stem with 4 to 5 sections and leaves. Dust the end with fungicide and allow it to callus for a week in a dry location. Fill a small clay pot with vermiculite or perlite mixed with potting soil. Alternatively, you can use damp sand. Push the callused end into the mixture and place the pot in bright but indirect light. Tent over the cutting with a plastic bag and remove it for an hour each day to let in air. In approximately 3 weeks, the cutting will have rooted and you will have a brand new plant.
Growing Thanksgiving cactus to blooming stage will take a couple of years.
Source: www.gardeningknowhow.com
