November is not normally a month when plants come into bloom. At this time of the year, garden flowers have been touched by the cold, autumn frosts and have died back to wait for the warm awakening of another spring. Houseplants as well, are reacting in their own way to shorter days and cooler temperatures.

However, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, there is a plant that blooms with a gorgeous floral display in November.

This plant, a native of South America, is the Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata). Unlike our native cacti, which usually grow in hot, desert areas, the Thanksgiving cactus grows in the treetops of the forests of southern Brazil. The cactus feeds on loose, decaying tree matter and draws its moisture from the air around the tree.

When grown in pots, the cactus prefers loose, well-drained soil that is kept evenly moist.

Thanksgiving cactus is also called the “crab cactus” because it grows with long pendulous arms arising from a central body.

Thanksgiving cactus does not have spines but it produces segmented arms called cladophylls, which are edged with long, irregular, serrated teeth. Its serrated or “toothed” leaves differentiate the Thanksgiving cactus from the popular Christmas cactus, which has rounded leaves. Also, the Christmas cactus blooms in December while the Thanksgiving cactus is a November bloomer.

Unlike spring or summer flowering plants, the Thanksgiving cactus begins to form buds when the day length shortens and the temperatures drop. This cactus will not bloom if it receives more than 12 hours of light during the day. After the vernal equinox, which occurs on Sept. 21, the daylight periods in our area are less than 12 hours so this plant is stimulated to flower.

Temperatures after Sept. 21 also usually drop to 60 degrees or lower and this also encourages bud development in the cactus. When in bloom, this houseplant can produce a wide array of colors from pink, to white, red, orange, and even yellow. It is a beautiful plant for the season and adds a fresh touch to the holiday.  Thanksgiving cacti are available at many garden centers and, if purchased now, they will already be carrying buds. When transporting this plant from the center to your home, keep it covered and warm to protect the buds. When in your home, keep the cactus in a sunny spot and keep it uniformly moist while it is in bloom (do not over water).

Flowering cacti can brighten up the home for the holidays in a number of ways. Their beautiful floral display makes a great table centerpiece or focal point for decorating and, since the plant is easily propagated, you may want to give young plants to family or friends as gifts.

To start a new Thanksgiving cactus:

1. Cut off a healthy looking branch with four or five sections of leaves.

2. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to help it develop roots.

3. Place the cutting in a protected area out of the direct sun where it will have good circulation and the cut end can begin to heal over.

4. Fill a small pot with potting soil, vermiculite or sand and press the cutting into the soil about one inch deep.

5. Moisten the soil and cover the top of the pot and plant with a plastic bag. Use straws or Popsicle sticks to keep the plastic off the cutting.

6. Vent each day to remove excess moisture from the pot.

7. Place the plant in a well-lit area out of direct sun.

8. New growth will develop in three to four weeks – then uncover the plant and keep it in plenty of indirect light. Water only when the soil becomes very dry.

If you have garden questions or tips for other gardeners, send them in to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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