My Christmas cactus is setting blooms for the third time this year. It bloomed in early November and then again in December. And now it's in bud again. I thought they were to bloom only once.
I started this plant close to 10 years ago. The micro manager insisted that it be placed in a certain space. She's the plant waterer. She thought that since it was called cactus that it didn't need much water. It was not in a good place for light. The plant did not grow.
Three years ago I took over the management of the Christmas cactus. It developed quickly. Last year it bloomed. This year it's been very surprising.
For a little history of this plant. I started teaching in a new school in 1969. The vice principal had a few plants and he knew a few things about plants. He retired about 1974 and didn't want his plants and gave them to me. So one of them was a large Christmas cactus with dark blooms.
I kept the plant until 1997 when I retired. I "dragged" the plant home. The Micro Manager complained that the plant was too large. I took some cuttings and started several new plants. I kept one and gave the others away. So the plant I have now dates back to 1969.
This is a plant I won't part with as I always remember Nap with this plant.
I dont think I could keep a plant alive for so long! I've had some for a decade or more but they always eventually get too big and I manage to kill them in the effort to downsize.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your Christmas cactus and your success :)
I'm cheating quite a bit here because who knows how long ago the original plant started.
DeleteWow, Red, if my math is correct, your Christmas cactus has at least 54 years of history. I’m thinking that’s a long time for a cactus, but then, I don’t really know. Neat story!
ReplyDeleteThis is like how many children does the original plant have.
DeleteThat's wonderful. I cannot keep a Christmas cactus alive. I blame it on the lack of natural light and the cold in my home. You sound like you have a very nice green thumb.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely should brag! That's a lot of survival in spite of the hurdles. It's picking up good vibes from you. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteWell, I talk very nicely to my plants!
DeleteCongrats Red! The Christmas Cactus is a beautiful plant and I like the blooms. I had one that would bloom twice a year. Have a great day and happy new week!
ReplyDeleteYou're right that they are a beautiful plant and the blossoms are a bonus.
DeleteThat really is an achievement, Red.
ReplyDeleteThe plant does all the work.
DeleteI have a plant given to me by my 5th grade teacher many decades ago. Actually it is probably the third or fourth generation of it and like you, I've given away many cuttings over the years so it's descendants could be numerous.
ReplyDeleteYour plant has many children. Neat that you've kept this gift from your teacher.
DeleteIt is neat and it came almost full circle. The winter before Covid, I learned that the same teacher was in a nursing home near where I live. I had just assumed she was long gone. So I went down for a visit and she was very happy to know that her plant was still growing in my household. Unfortunately she passed away during the Covid years.
DeleteThat is a great celebration of a green thumb!
ReplyDeletePlants are fun to raise.
DeleteThat plant is quite old but thriving obviously! Well done!
ReplyDeleteThe one I have now is a cutting of the original plant.
DeleteI was hoping for a picture, but your words made it visible to me! Good job, Red!
ReplyDeleteIt's a scraggly looking plant as I tipped it over last summer. they have very few roots so it's staked and tied.
DeleteI love that you have kept that Christmas alive and thriving for so long. If plants could talk, this one would say, "Thank you."
ReplyDeleteHey, I talk to my plants every day!
DeleteWe have a very old Christmas cactus and several not young plants too. They are easy care as long as they have enough light and water.
ReplyDeleteThey are happiest when they stay in the same light.
DeleteSome people have a green thumb, but you at least have a prickly one.
ReplyDeleteHey this thing is called cactus but there is nothing prickly about it.
DeleteIt sounds like you have a green thumb for indoor plants as well as for the garden! And three flowerings in a few short months is very interesting. I love the blooms on a Christmas cactus.
ReplyDeleteI like plants but I don't know much about them. For example I don't know the names of plants.
DeleteMine is blooming for the 3rd time this winter as well! I think it likes the new spot in Scott's house.
ReplyDeleteThey are fussy about light.
DeleteWell done, Red. What a great memory and plant.
ReplyDeleteApparently do you are doing something right with the plant! Good for you!
ReplyDeleteThey are fussy about light. Don't move them.
DeleteI'm hopeless with plants, even cacti
ReplyDeleteOh, Red, I see darkness ahead if you ever mention how you got the cactus blooming after you took over its management. Be careful and go wisely.
ReplyDeleteI love the cactus story. Some people in our area would years ago keep them in their dark caves where they kept canned food. The would bring them out in November and they would be all budded.
ReplyDeleteMy father took over the care of his mother/grandmother's Christmas Cactus. He inadvertently froze it to death when he was sixty something. The Cactus was well over 100 years of age at the time.
ReplyDeleteYou must have green fingers Red! Never mind - with warm water, soap and a bit of scrubbing you'll be able to get the green off.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting story and what a beautiful relationship between you and plant that is of my age :)
ReplyDelete