Why Your Thanksgiving Cactus Is Losing Buds And What To Do About It

When your Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) drops its buds, it's more of a clue than a catastrophe—here's what it's trying to tell you. Often mistaken for its close relatives, the difference between a Thanksgiving cactus and a Christmas cactus is its earlier bloom time and subtle differences in leaf shape. For example, the Thanksgiving cactus buds out based on the available levels of sunlight. When the days shorten enough that it gets less than twelve hours of light, it prepares to bloom, typically flowering from mid-November to December. Understanding these unique traits can help you better care for your Thanksgiving cactus and ensure it thrives during its festive blooming season.

If you want to grow a thriving Thanksgiving cactus, it's important to know how to take care of it by providing it with its ideal growing conditions. Never move your budding Thanksgiving cactus to avoid disrupting its blooms. If your cactus drops a few buds, it may still be okay, but if a lot of the buds fall off, you probably have a problem. Bud drop is often caused by changes in surrounding conditions, such as light, water, or room temperature. By addressing these factors promptly, you can help your Thanksgiving cactus recover and enjoy its vibrant blooms throughout the season.

Helping your Thanksgiving cactus successfully flower starts with understanding its unique needs. Since it's a member of the cactus family,  one of the biggest mistakes you can make is overwatering your Thanksgiving cactus. Always wait until the soil feels dry to water, and never swamp the pot, as a bit of water is better than a lot. If you do overwater your cactus plant, there are steps you can take to help it. However, having the soil go completely dry can also be why they drop their buds, so it's essential to monitor your soil and keep it moist during blooming season. With the right balance of moisture and attention to its needs, your Thanksgiving cactus can reward you with a stunning display of blooms year after year.

Another reason your plant could be dropping its buds is temperature. Your cactus prefers an environment of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, so you may be keeping your house too warm. Conversely, if your cactus gets too cold, such as below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it may also drop its buds. Sunlight is another crucial factor to consider. Thanksgiving cacti love bright, indirect sunlight and do best near a well-lit window indoors. Be careful that it's not exposed to light at night, as brightness from streetlights or other sources can interrupt its flowering. With proper care, your Thanksgiving cactus can thrive for decades — sometimes over 100 years — becoming an heirloom passed down through generations.