Christmas Cactus Vs Orchid Cactus

What s the difference between a christmas cactus and an orchid cactus.

Christmas cactus vs orchid cactus. The true christmas cactus has a flattened stem segments with smooth scalloped edges. They are called cactus orchid plants because of the outstanding blooms which resemble some orchid species. The thanksgiving cactus has a very toothy stem with two to four pointed teeth. Their habit makes a hanging basket their ideal vessel.

Orchid cactus have flat fleshy stems with serrated edges. The orchid cactus like its cousin the christmas cactus can be moved outdoors for the summer in a location that receives filtered sunlight but the plant must be moved back indoors before fall. An orchid cactus will not flower. Not sure whether to repot my xmas cactus in cactus succulent mix or an orchid mix i use for most of my epiphytes.

Should i plant a christmas cactus in cactus mix or orchid mix. An orchid cactus is hardy to zones 10 and 11 although some varieties extend into zone 12 as well. An orchid cactus will not flower. Orchid cactus grow as a clump of flattened leaves that droop and dangle to 20 inches long.

Maintain protection from the harsh summer sun and direct sunlight. They use their host tree only as physical support. While the christmas cactus stems hang down like a pendent the thanksgiving cactus has stems that grow upright at first and then arch. They are one and the same.

New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. This thread is archived. Tropical rain forests of central and south america where they live in treetops. They can also be potted in a regular container that is placed high on a shelf.

These tropical plants. Christmas cactus schlumbergera bridgesii is a flowering tropical cactus that blooms during the winter holidays in the united states. Bright indirect sunlight is required all year long whether the plant is indoors or out. Department of agriculture plant hardiness zones.

The orchid cactus epiphyllum spp has waxy leaves and vivid blooms spanning 5 to 10 inches across. A cactus or succulent potting soil is said to work fine for these plants.