Thanksgiving cactus, also known as holiday cactus, belongs to the genus Schlumbergera. There are two other closely related species of cactus that are often mistaken for thanksgiving cactus: Christmas cactus and Easter cactus. These plants share the same growth habits, but their flowering times are different. Synonyms for thanksgiving cactus include crab cactus, holiday cactus, and Schlumbergera truncata. These cacti come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, red, and purple. They are native to the coastal mountains of Brazil, but are widely cultivated as houseplants in many parts of the world. Thanksgiving cactus is famously easy to care for, making it a popular choice for beginner gardeners.