There are different case of cactus , although they may look alike . bonk their differences can help you in originate them , as some need specific practices to boom . What ’s the difference between the zygocactus and the Christmas cactus ? We have researched this dubiousness and laid out the facts for your convenience .
There are more similarities than differences between the zygocactus and the Christmas cactus , so it can be hard to tell which one is which . The easygoing means to specialize them is to abide by their leave . The Christmas cactus has still leaves than the zygocactus .
Also , the Christmas cactus blooms in November , while the zygocactus bloom in October and well into December .
The zygocactus and the Christmas cactus have many uses . Keep reading to learn more about these interesting succulents , how to grow them , and how you may protect them from precarious atmospheric condition conditions .
Zygocactus Vs. Christmas Cactus: Similarities and Differences
These two cacti are very like . Because of this , the ways in which they ’ve been market are perplexing .
The names zygocactus and Christmas cactus have been used interchangeably , which has make a misconception . Toeasethe confusedness , the genus Zygocactus has been named the " Thanksgiving cactus . "
The Christmas cactus typically blooms in November and December , while the genus Zygocactus may bloom from October through December .
Since they can bloom around the same time , many people have mistaken one for the other . We have gathered their similarities , but more importantly , their differences to assist you sympathize why they are not the same .
Here are the similarity and differences between the zygocactus and the Christmas cactus .
Similarities
It ’s not surprising that the cacti look similar since they come from the same family . The genus Zygocactus and the Christmas cactus hail from the genus Schlumbergera , which includes six specie that are loosely native toBrazil .
Cacti from this genus are cognise for their vivacious pinkish blooms , which the Zgyocactus and Christmas cactus both have .
Both thrive in lovesome , humid conditions . However , for the flowers to bloom , you will necessitate to water about twoinchesof their land .
Since they bloom near to the holiday time of year , they are both known as holiday cacti .
Differences
Although they look similar , they havedistinctqualities that separate them from one another . One of their most notable differences is the grain of their leaves .
The leave of the Christmas cactus have smooth edges , while the leaves of the zygocactus have textured , jagged sharpness .
by from their leaves , the stems of the Christmas cactus tend to sag and creep over the good deal until they hang , whereas the base of the zygocactus tend to kink .
You ’ll get laid it ’s a Christmas cactus when the stem looks like it ’s cringe out ( almost like a potted vine ) of the container , and you ’ll know it ’s a genus Zygocactus when it merely arches .
What Can You Use These Cacti For?
Both the zygocactus and Christmas cactus are popular vacation succulent . They are typically used as small gifts and home decorations . They can add ocular collection to your garden , even if you engraft them in a pot or directly in the soil .
Here are some agency to add beauty to your home using the zygocactus and the Christmas cactus .
Put the Christmas Cactus in a Hanging Pot
One of the most pop way to plant a Christmas cactus is to put it in a hanging pot . It creates the visual illusion that the succulent is spill down . The cactus looks even better when the flowers bloom , making the succulent more vibrant .
correspond out these hanging pots on Amazon .
Put the Zygocactus or Christmas Cactus in a Handheld Pot
you may put these succulents in small , handheld pots and place them in front of your west - face windowpane ( notice that these succulent do n’t do well in direct sunshine ) , or you may give them as gifts during the vacation season .
you’re able to personalize the potful to add visual appealingness to the succulents or expend plain pots and get the pink bloom smoothen .
ensure to add holes to the bottom of the pots so the soil can drain well .
Check out these great deal on Amazon .
Should You Have a Cactus?
There are many benefits to owning a succulent , particularly the zygocactus or Christmas cactus .
Both have unique , vibrant bloom that can add to the upbeat aura of the holidays and brighten up any space , regardless of the interior conception .
apart from their visualbenefits , succulent are also reported to purify the air travel indoors . feature plant or succulents can also improve your mood and genial wellness .
Caring For Your Cactus
If you want your zygocactus and Christmas cactus to thrive and bloom on sentence , you must take maintenance of them throughout the yr . They have similar requirement since they come from the same kin and genus , so having both of them should not be a hassle .
Here is how you should take aid of your holiday succulents .
Soil Requirements
Both of these succulent postulate well - run out ground . They prefer rocky soil that ’s rich in nutrients since the root system will likely be shallow . Make certain the dirt has a impersonal pH ( around 5.5 - 6.2 ) .
Water Needs
These succulents postulate frequent watering while they ’re developing . Generally , you could water them after one week .
you may pass on the dirt to dry before each musical interval , but verify not to let it dry out completely since it wo n’t be good for the growing plant life .
Adjust your watering habits as necessary . If the cacti are in a humid surroundings , you’re able to water them less frequently . If the cacti are in a dry environment , irrigate them more .
Make certain that you do n’t overwater the cacti since this could lead to root decomposition , blackenedstems , and schmalzy leaves .
Environment
If you notice the blooms dropping , it may be because the cactus is not used to unstable temperature precondition and cold drafts . you may transfer the cactus indoors for a more assure environment .
Fertilizer
Applying mild fertiliser to these succulents can help them uprise , but it should only be applied during their active maturate period . You should also only do this every two workweek . Here is how you should apply mild fertiliser to your cacti :
The plant food is best apply during the summertime . During the blooming time of year , fertilizer wo n’t be necessary .
Sunlight and Humidity
The Christmas cactus and the zygocactus favour warmth and humidness , but they do n’t like being under lineal sunshine . This is why their idealistic location is bathrooms , kitchens , and greenhouses .
you may put in a humidifier near the succulent so the soil wo n’t dry out . You wo n’t need to water them as oft , and it would ensure that the succulents would remain in their pet environment .
ensure to place them in a north- , west - or eastern United States - face windowpane so the sun wo n’t sprain the leave brittle and ironic .
The succulents need at least 12 hour of iniquity and imperturbableness during their blossom season to set off the peak . Then , you involve to place them in a bright way with collateral sunlight .
suss out out this humidifier on Amazon .
How To Repot Your Cactus
Repotting a zygocactus or Christmas cactus can be challenge , so you ’ll need to be careful . The ideal time to repot them is after their bloom time of year .
Here ’s how you could repot the Christmas cactus ( these steps can also be apply to the zygocactus ) .
jibe out the instructional video below for more information on repotting .
How To Propagate A Cactus
spread a Christmas cactus or zygocactus is well-fixed . merely take a Y - determine thinning from the stem tip , then push the cut midway down the young soil . Make certain the cutting off have three guest to assure that it thrives .
check off out this instructional video for extra entropy on the process .
Final Thoughts
The Christmas cactus and the zygocactus ( or Thanksgiving cactus ) are sometimes mazed because they see similar . Yet they have discrete qualities .
For instance , if you want a cactus that droops down , go for a Christmas cactus . However , if you require a cactus that arches and does n’t droop , go for the zygocactus .
Both types of cactus have vivacious blooms and will appear good in your house or garden .
If you found this article informatory , go over out our other posts :
Is Christmas Cactus A Succulent ? [ What ’s The Difference ? ]
How Large Do Christmas Cactus Grow ?
68 Cactus Landscaping Ideas That Will Inspire You
