I have been under the impression that Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter cacti are the same plant that decided to bloom at different times. A little research taught me a lesson. They are, in fact, three different species.

They are similar and are often mislabeled. The difference? It is all in the leaves and flowers.

Here are stats on each:

l Thanksgiving cactus: Blooms in November. Has broad segmented leaves with jagged edges on each side. The serrated edges form points. Two to four points are on each side. The end of the segments are slightly concave, with a point on each side. The flowers are pink, red, white and even yellow. The anthers are yellow. The flowers are asymmetrical. Grows upright or erect.

l Christmas cactus: Blooms in December. Has wide and flat segmented leaves that are smaller and rounder. The leaf edges have small scallops, and are smooth not jagged. The tip of the segment is slightly curved but looks almost flat. The flowers are usually red or white, sometimes yellow. The anthers are purplish brown. The flowers are symmetrical, are evenly distributed around the flower tube. The flowers droop straight down from the ovary. Grows upright, then arches down.

l Easter cactus: Blooms in April or May. Has flat segmented leaves. There are very slight scallops. There are small bristles at the end of each leaf. The flowers are royal purple, red or pink and brighter than Christmas or Thanksgiving cacti. The flowers are more star-shaped. Is a smaller plant.

Depending on the care and conditions all three of these holiday cacti may produce surprise flowers at other times of the year. This adds further to the confusion.

Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti may bloom between March and May. The Easter cactus rarely blooms outside of expected bloom time.

The Easter cactus is the most difficult to grow. Just the right moisture is required. Too little and it drops its leaves; too much and it does poorly. A moisture meter is recommended.

Overwatering is the enemy of all three. Holiday cacti need the same soil as other cacti and succulents — moist soil, rich in humus, with good drainage. Allow them to go dry between watering.

When repotting, don’t put it in a larger pot. They like to be slightly root bound.

Prep for blooms with several weeks of 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness a day. The temperature should be at about 55 degrees. Water them very sparingly.

The Christmas cactus needs to be readied for bloom in early October; Thanksgiving cactus by early September. The Easter cactus should be bloom-prepped for at least three months ahead of time also.

Do not fertilize plants unless blooming.

Many people recall grandma’s holiday cactus that bloomed profusely. She probably did nothing to it except keep it in the right spot and watered occasionally.

Well, good luck.

Check out www.go.osu.edu/holidaycacti for pictures and growing details.

McKinley is an Ohio State University Mahoning County Extension Master Gardener volunteer.