A blooming Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is very popular at this time of the year. But its resemblance to the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) makes it confusing, not only to shoppers and gift-givers, but also to garden nursery staff members.

A Thanksgiving cactus has very pointed, sharp-toothed, claw-shaped projections on its flattened “segmented stem edges” (not true leaves). The Christmas cactus has projections which are more scalloped or round shaped. “Spiky vs. lobed” someone recently wrote about the difference. Both are found in shades of red and pink, although there are other colors.

Tropical plants native to the rainforests of Brazil, they are relatively problem-free and easy to grow indoors. During the day they require bright light but not direct sun. From dusk to dawn, it’s best that they be in a dark room with a temperature that is not too high. They don’t do well if over-watered, so make sure their soil is well drained.

As with many flowering plants, they should be deadheaded. Remove any spent blooms when they start to die off.

If their needs are taken care of, these cacti can live for many years. There are reports of some having been incredibly long-lived from 40 to 100 years.

Yes, there is another cactus to consider. But we’ll wait until next March to do so. It is called the Easter cactus.