Some of the days in November carry the whole memory of summer as a fire opal carries the color of moonrise.” — Gladys Taber. 

“In November, the trees are standing all sticks and bones. Without their leaves, how lovely they are, spreading their arms like dancers. They know it is time to be still.” — Cynthia Rylant. 

“November is chill, frosted mornings with a silver sun rising behind the trees, red cardinals at the feeders, and squirrels running scallops along the tops of the gray stone walls.” — Jean Hersey.

October is in the rear view mirror and November is here! With some encouragement from the weather, our thoughts have turned toward decorating for the fall, Thanksgiving and Christmas. As both holidays draw near, leaf cacti can provide holiday color with distinct seasonal appeal. Such cacti include the Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii), and (later on) the Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaetneri or Hatiora gaetneri).

The Schlumbergera species are native to the tropical forests of Brazil while the Rhipsalidopsis species are native to the natural forests of Brazil. Schlumbergera truncata grows in the rain forest at an altitude between 3,000 and 5,000 feet, growing on decaying organic debris trapped among tree branches or in rocky crevices in shaded areas on the ground. Schlumbergera bridgesii grows at higher mountain altitudes in the cooler, dryer wooded areas.

These three species of cactus are members of the group of cacti called the leaf cacti and their plant bodies are flattened and the leaves are actually stems. The flowers develop from notches in these stems or from the tips. These fuchsia-like flowers can last several weeks. They are usually pink, but modern hybrids include white, red, yellow, and purple varieties.

Flower bud initiation responds to cool temperatures and shortened day lengths. The Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus should be left outdoors, away from artificial light until night temperatures drop into the 40s. They do best at temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees.

One difference between the Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter cacti is the time of bloom. As their common names suggest, a Thanksgiving cactus can bloom in late fall (about one month before the Christmas cactus). The Easter cactus starts producing flower buds in February. Regardless of type, there are steps to follow to ensure bloom.

Bring these holiday cacti inside and place them in a cool area, keeping them away from all light between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 a.m., and water weekly. Avoid heating vents that can cause temperature fluctuations. The plants should come into flower sometime in late November/December through January.  If you want them to bloom sooner, start the cool temp/short day treatment earlier.

The Easter cactus requires a dry period and very little water is required for flower bud initiation from October through November. The Easter cactus should also be placed in the same cool area under shorter light periods at this time. In December, raise the temperature to about 65 degrees and water sparingly. Expect flowering around March for the Easter cactus.

Regardless of which type of cactus you have, avoid high temperatures and heat fluctuations when the plant is flowering. Lack of flowering is directly related to the cool temperature and short day treatment. The Easter cactus is a bit different since it is not a tropical plant and requires a dry period.

Schlumbergera truncate is from the mountains of Brazil (not the desert) where it grows like the orchid in the crotches of trees. From late October through November, this cactus puts on a magnificent color display with multiple fuschia-like flowers. These cacti are available in purple, pink, red, yellow, or white. Any purchases should be made in early November while the plants are in bloom (to see actual flower color).

Thanksgiving cactus (truncate) prefers a humus-rich and well-drained soil including two-parts peat and one-part perlite. Provide them sufficient attention during warm-weather months and water every other day. Also, add an all-purpose fertilizer or plant food (150-200 ppm 20-10-20 or 15-16-17 per month), Epsom salts for Mg (8oz/100gal, per month) and iron (Sequestrene 330, 4-6 oz/100 gal). Stop all fertilization applications one month before the start of short days for flowering.

Grow them in full light during the fall and winter but provide some shade during the summer. Marginal chlorosis is common on such plants that are grown under high-light, high-temperature conditions in the summer. Cool temperatures and weekly water will insure a magnificent flowering period that may last from four to six weeks. After flowering stops, decrease water and set the cacti in full sun until warm weather (at which time, return them to shaded areas in the great outdoors).

Another difference in these cacti is the Thanksgiving cactus (truncata) has two or three jagged points on every leaf segment, and its flowering time (under normal circumstances) is from late October through November. The Christmas cactus (bridgesii) has smooth (not jagged) leaf segments, and typically flowers in January or February. These flowers are smaller and more pendulous than the truncata. And, the Easter cactus has bristles on edges of leaf segments.

Most of the cacti grown commercially are the Thanksgiving cactus. There are many instances of mislabeling found among the stores where the Thanksgiving cactus may be labeled as the Christmas cactus. You may think you have a Christmas cactus but determine through inspection of leaf characteristics that it is a Thanksgiving cactus. However, this is not such a real problem since timing of bloom is so close together — call it as you like.

The flower colors vary among cultivars including red, orange, magenta, lavender, and white. Other characteristics which vary among cultivars include branching density, uprightness, phylloclade shape, flower shape, and flowering time. Enjoy these cacti for the holidays! Happy November!

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” — Hebrews 11:1. 

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31. 

“The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.” — Proverbs 10:28. 

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” — 1 Corinthians 10:26.

Seagle is a Sustainability Verifier, Golf Environment Organization (Scotland), Agronomist and Horticulturalist, CSI: Seagle (Consulting Services International) LLC, Professor Emeritus and Honorary Alumnus (Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College), Distinguished Professor for Teaching and Learning (University System of Georgia) and Short Term Missionary (Heritage Church, Moultrie). Direct inquiries to csi_seagle @yahoo.com.