Monday, January 10, 2011

A Bloomin' Good Year


Quite a few blooms on my Christmas Cactus this year. The secret is 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. I don't put any effort into that schedule, but the location where this plant sits provides just about the right amount of light and dark.

This gorgeous specimen is a century old, give or take a few decades. 

An elderly gentleman gave it to my dad, probably 30-40 years ago. This man was 90-something at that time and this plant belonged to his mother. My dad gave it to me about 20 or so years ago.

The center stalks are sturdy, like tree trunks, and covered with bark.


It sits upon a blue, drop-leaf table that my grandfather made for me when I was very young. That makes the table 45-50 years old. It is painted blue and has cute little decals applied to the surface. Remember those decals on furniture? The matching chairs are buried under the plant. This little table and chairs lived for too many years in a pole shed, but now exist cozily in our living room. 

A place of honor for a geriatric plant. Perfect.

6 comments:

ktquilts said...

Wowsers. That is quite a plant. My Christmas Cactus didn't bloom at all this year. Now you have me thinking that there isn't enough light in my house anywhere!! Thanks for sharing!!

Jocelyn said...

Not only does it have gorgeous blooms, it is such a large plant as well. Amazing! Very pretty!

Paulette said...

Whoa! It's so beautiful, and I have never heard of a Christmas cactus that old. Looks nice on that drop leaf table!

Michelle in Saskatoon said...

it's amazing to think that you can keep a plant alive that long.
Also, I really like the mug rugs and table topper. I haven't tried that 4 patch technique, but I see it in my future....thanks for the instructions, m

Ivory Spring said...

That is an amazing plant! I enjoyed the post.

Pokey said...

How cool, to have such a genealogy on your cactus! I posted mine recently, but like you, I said I take no credit for its success.
I've enjoyed seeing some of your recent creations, too, Sue. You've been inspiring in your colorful productivity. :-}pokey

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