Submitted by Joan Regan
A while ago I picked up a couple of Christmas Cactus from our local grocery store, it was December and they were full of blooms bright pink and just stunning. Fast forward to 2019 – both plants were doing fine, just not the stunners they used to be; a few flowers but nothing special. So this past summer I gave them each a shot of Miracle Grow, ½ strength, and ka boom! Away they went! Since then they have almost doubled their size and have been absolutely full of flowers since the first of October. Their little sister has now outgrown her pot as well and will be getting a new home as soon as she is finished flowering. So, have since found out that what we have are Thanksgiving Cactus not Christmas. They will all be finding a new corner to spend the winter/spring as they have outgrown the spot they’re in.
If you’re thinking of treating yourself, or getting one for a gift, make sure they are kept warm while transporting them. They do not like to be cold, even for a few minutes. Remember they are tropicals, as well as the gorgeous Poinsettias offered now. It is best to put them where they will be staying; they do not like to be moved around. It is also a good idea to have a pot for them to go into. The pretty foil around them stops the air from circulating around them and they both want and need the circulation… that tropical thing again.
Another tropical plant that is so popular at this time of the year is the beautiful Amaryllis. But OOPS, bad plant Momma here, forgot them in their paper bags till December. But got them into their special pots, gave them a shot of fertiliser with a nice drink, a sunny spot, and within days they have sprouted. One is especially having a huge growth spurt. Fingers crossed on its sister. One is white, the other a bright fire engine red – hoping they will forgive me with pretty flowers (probably in February or March). We shall see.
This year has been a whirlwind of change and we will all be celebrating the Holidays in different ways – missing our family, missing our friends, but keeping safe.
Wishing everyone a Merry, Merry Christmas and the very best for 2021.
Be safe everyone.
Happy Holidays From the Bury Rd Garden,
Joni, Pete and Canoe
