Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Christmas Cactus

The Christmas Cactus has occupied a spot in the home for forty years. Its origins having been lost in the mists of time, I can only attest to its existence during the time that I have known it. Its actual age is unknown, just as many a beautiful lady would wish for herself.

This plant has survived the trauma of over-watering, re-potting, relocation, and other such treatments. Three years ago as it dropped its leaves, stems and arms, I would not have bet a dime on its chances of survival. But with judicious trimming and tlc, it has returned to this state!

The plant has on occasion bloomed at Christmas time, but also at Easter, or whenever it seems to be in the mood to dress up in its formal attire!

Heide cared for this creature, as she did for all our indoor plants, while we were gone this winter. We returned home to find this display. Way to go, Cactus. Way to go, Heide!

4 comments:

Shelly said...

I don't think I've ever heard of one lasting that long. It is really gorgeous-

Lin said...

One of the blog pallies had a bloom this week too--what is with those Christmas cactus???!

That's nice that you came home to a flowering plant--I wonder if it knew you were coming home? ;)

Vee said...

Beautiful! You are more persistent than I as I would have tossed it rather than nursing it. But then I don't have anything live inside of my house other than people. (People do get nursed back to health when things go wrong!)

vanilla said...

Shelly, I may be one of a very few who would bother to nurture the thing that long.

Lin, I think "Christmas cactus" may be a misnomer, but they are gorgeous whenever they may bloom.

Vee, I'm willing to mess with the house plants in exchange for the health benefits. If any such exists.