This fall Dad's great aunt Muriel died and we were the recipients of her Christmas cactus. It was beautiful. It was huge, at least three feet across, full and healthy. The picture perfect Christmas cactus. We took it, put it in the basement on a table and then we got the kittens. The kittens loved, loved, loved the Christmas cactus and tore at least 3/4 of the branches off of it. Then we got a little forgetful and it didn't get watered as it should have. The kittens have been leaving it alone lately and we have given it a few glasses of water but we didn't pep talk it or anything. I have heard that it is hard to get them to bloom, and since it has been pretty much abused since it got here, I never expected any flowers. Then today we were delighted to see that it had indeed put out several flowers. Perhaps it is a cry for help? It worked, Dad hung it up so it will be safe from the kittens, that doesn't mean we will remember to water it anymore often though. We also saw that this huge plant is in a little tiny pot and it has to be terribly root bound. Maybe that is what makes them bloom, tiny pots, feline abuse and neglect.
1 comment:
Not watering it often is a good thing. I have several and I've never had a problem getting them to bloom. During the year, you water them when the soil dries out (or, in my case, when you realize the leaves are starting to shrivel). In the winter, give it a sunny view (south window) and it will start setting buds. Once you see buds, try to water it daily. If you are really diligent, you turn it too, so that there are blooms on all sides. I am not that diligent. :o)
Peace and Laughter!
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