Thanksgiving Cactus Care 101: Growing Tips For Beginners

Back in 2017, I brought home my first Thanksgiving cactus. It had a charming and vibrant look that you couldn’t really find anywhere else. 

As a beginner gardener, I was a bit nervous and clueless about keeping the plant healthy. While trial and error played a big role in helping it thrive, I quickly realized that a few key tips and tricks made all the difference. 

Now, as Thanksgiving cactuses gain popularity on social media, I’m excited to share some essential tips for first-time growers. My goal with this article is to help you nurture this beautiful plant and care for it the right way, so you can enjoy its stunning blooms for years to come. 

Let’s dive deeper into this, shall we?

Tip 1: Get The Lighting Right

Thanksgiving cactuses thrive in bright but indirect light that’s ideally coming in through a window or some sort of translucent barrier. 

Although, yes, they can tolerate some direct sunlight too, it’s best not to expose them to harsher lighting conditions for too long as it may lead to leaf burn and heat stress. Adequate light that’s also consistent will ensure optimal blooming and vibrant growth. 

Tip 2: A Fixed Watering Schedule Benefits Both Parties

Establishing a fixed watering schedule will benefit both your Thanksgiving cactus and you. It creates routine and consistency that plants absolutely love!

By incorporating watering sessions into your weekly plan, you can hold yourself accountable and ensure your plant receives the care it needs, preventing any missed opportunities for hydration. 

Tip 3: Incorporate Some Sort Of Fertilizer

Fertilization is an important part of Thanksgiving cactus care. Even if the soil conditions and composition are ideal, your plant can still greatly benefit from a little fertilizer action to address any nutrient deficiencies or other lagging areas. 

A high-quality balanced fertilizer that contains a good blend of all important nutrients makes the most sense in this case. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label and dilute the fertilizer to the desired strength before use. 

Tip 4: Keep The Temperature Preference In Mind

A plant like the Thanksgiving cactus thrives in consistent temperatures that are neither too warm nor too cold. Extremes tend to induce stress and adversely affect blooming as well as overall growth.

Ideally, you want to keep the temperature relatively mild and stable between 53ºF to 68ºF (12°C to 20°C) for optimal plant development.  

Additionally, it may be best to avoid placing your plant around heating vents, air conditioners, or any place where it can be exposed to sudden temperature shifts. 

Tip 5: Consider Repotting

If you’re a complete beginner and this is your first Thanksgiving cactus, which still has a lot of growing to do, repotting might not be the best option right now. For the time being, let your plant settle and establish itself before considering a change in its environment. 

However, a mature Thanksgiving cactus that is strong enough to handle the process can greatly benefit from being transplanted into a larger pot.

This change will allow for more root growth freedom and enhanced nutrient absorption, which will indirectly translate to a healthier, lush plant with more vibrant blooms.

Final Words

Getting a Thanksgiving cactus was a somewhat impulsive choice for me at the time, but seeing it flourish filled me with pride and great joy. There’s something exhilarating about trying a hundred different care techniques and finding what truly works on your own. 

I hope this article provided you with valuable insights into Thanksgiving cactus care and inspired you to nurture your plants so you can enjoy their immense beauty.