Thanksgiving Cactus
Schlumbergera truncata
Family: Cactaceae
Care Level: Easy
Toxicity: Non-toxic to people and pets
A popular tropical cactus known for its vibrant, tubular flowers that bloom around Thanksgiving. It has flattened, segmented stems resembling crab claws.
Bright Indirect Light – 150-250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 5 ft / 1.5m away from a south, west or east-facing window.
Ensure the plant does not have a direct view of the sky.
If direct sunlight on the leaves is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
To ensure optimal plant health, a pot with drainage holes is essential.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter.
Water considerably less in the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Ready Potting Mix
- For optimal growth, use a specialty organic potting mix formulated for cacti.
DIY Recipe
- 2 parts Coir, 2 parts Coarse Sand, 1 part Pumice.
- Apply an organic fertilizer formulated for cacti every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 60-75 °F / 15-24 °C
Ideal Humidity
- 50-60%
Time to Maturity
- 3-5 years
Eventual Height
- 6-12 in / 15-30 cm
Eventual Spread
- 12-24 in / 30-60 cm
S. truncata ‘Aurea’
Features flat, lime-green segments with yellow margins.
S. truncata ‘Fritz Thüringer’
Produces vibrant red, trumpet-shaped flowers.
S. truncata ‘Buckingham’
Flowers with stunning double pink blooms.
S. truncata ‘Snowdrop’
Pure white flowers with yellow centers.
S. truncata ‘Neon’
Striking salmon-orange colored flowers.
Ti Plant
Cordyline fruticosa
Family: Asparagaceae
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Toxicity: Toxic to people and pets
An evergreen shrub with sword-shaped leaves in various shades of green, red, purple, and orange.
Bright Indirect Light – 150-250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 5 ft / 1.5m away from a south, west or east-facing window.
Ensure the plant does not have a direct view of the sky.
If direct sunlight on the leaves is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Water when the top third of soil dries out.
To determine when to water, use a knitting needle or chopstick to test the moisture at various depths.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
To ensure optimal plant health, a pot with drainage holes is essential.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter.
Water considerably less in the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Ready Potting Mix
- A speciality organic potting mix for palms works well.
DIY Recipe
- 2 parts Coir, 2 parts Coarse Sand, 1 part Pumice.
- Apply an organic all-purpose fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 64-95 °F / 18 – 35 °C
Ideal Humidity Range
- 40-60%
Time to Maturity
- 2 years
Eventual Height
- 3-10 ft / 0.9-3 m
Eventual Spread
- 2-4 ft / 0.6-1.2 m
C. fruticosa ‘Hawaiian Boy’
Dark purple to red foliage, adds beauty with its eye-catching shape and form.
C. fruticosa ‘Florida Red’
Strap-like, dark purple or red leaves variegated with a red-pink hue.
C. fruticosa ‘Candy Cane’
Green foliage adorned with cream streaks and pink margins, best in dappled light.
C. fruticosa ‘Black Magic’
Purple-black foliage, providing a striking appearance.
C. fruticosa ‘Morning Sunshine’
Light green leaves splashed with cream, purple, and pink hues.
C. australis ‘Red Star’
Dark burgundy foliage, matures to produce fragrant white flower spikes.
C. fruticosa ‘Bolero Tricolor’
Green foliage with pink edges and hints of cream.