Every year I promise myself I will not grow another Orchid cactus because they take up so much room, they are not really easy to work with because of those little jaggy thorns they have, and they are a bit difficult to raise until you get used to their little secrets. But then, I look at my collection and decide that it is all worth the effort when they bloom those beautiful blooms. I especially love buying the single pieces and watching them become those gigantic, majestic beauties they become.

An example of one of my surprises is this plant. I have no idea where I got this but I put it in soil and forgot about it, just giving it the water and feed needed when it was time.
This was the first bloom it had. I was happy to see a beautiful pink.


I noticed this flower on the same plant just the other day. Now I am completely confused. But delighted with these beautiful flowers.



This is the same plant, last year with a red bud and pink flower. It is my favorite plant because I never know what to expect. Of course it has no name.



Who knows what will happen in the Spring when it goes outside.

They're gorgeous, JB. I was the same way. They took up too much room and didn't bloom enough so I got rid of mine. Now I think I'll have to give them another chance. They're worth it!

Karen, same here, I gave mine away and when I see beautiful flowers like Jacquie's I want them again.

Ha, here we go again, Alice! All it takes is a pretty bloom pic and we want them all again!

Yep, you know how I think.
We are moving though so I have to be disciplined, I already have too many plants to move.

You can behave now, and then have fun once you're moved! Good luck with it.

I bought several colors back a few weeks ago and they were all single cuttings. I know better but I do have an outlet for mine when they get too big for me to handle. I have neighbors who have a fabulous farmers market. Kids that run it all graduated from Longwood Gardens and we have had such fun since they opened trading and sharing our ideas and designs as well as plants. I gave my biggest one to them a few years ago and they have made some georgous hanging baskets with its babies. I love watching their customers enjoying these giants and I have such a good feeling when I know they came from my old plant. There is such peace and love in growing and sharing plants. I ask them what colors they want and this is what I got. These have now been with me in soil for almost 12 months. Only the one got too cold and part of it died, otherwise, they are all just fine and coming along. I just may have a bloom if I can give them a chill before they decide they are ready. I need to get them outside about the middle of April. We will see what the weather does for us.

Climax - pink and white


Hum Dinger - white-pale yellow


Ric Rac


Frosty Pattern


Blue Paradise - pink


Bliss - Orange


Vista Sun


Just Beautiful

I love that you are encouraging young people with your plants.

This same Orchid Cactus I showed you 3/14/18 has begun to change color. I am wondering just how much more it will change.

Take a look at the difference in two days.

In the same pot as the above picture this bud started to show some color. There must be several different plants in this one pot. Beautiful surprises.

Another beauty in the surprise pot.

That is a real beauty, JB!

Today another flower came out. This is what I look forward to daily. Living on a farm, no neighbors, no friends alive anymore, kids working, bored ...should I say more? Without my pets and plants I would give up. Being old and not able to function after being so active is taking its toll on me. Than the weather does not help. So, I just watch my plants every move. Thank you for letting me share them.


Not an Orchid cactus but pretty on this dreary day.
This is from a plant I got for Easter from two little girls who live down the road.

Beautiful plants, JB! Having plants blooming makes life cheerful and much more interesting. I like to propagate any of them that are special, just in case I lose the main plant for some reason.

I have a jasmine that rooted in water and is blooming. I just have not had a chance to plant it. Crazy plants but fun.

You have had such a rough winter this year, good you have those beautiful and super cheerful plants to look at. I don't know about you but I talk to my plants (often I am cussing them out though )

I do some cussing myself at not only the plants but the parrots and the dogs. I am loosing my mind with no sunshine and it is so cold. I am really getting cranky. I was spraying the Air Plants and the Orchid Cactus babies in the bird room today in order to get the humidity in the house up a bit. It is so dry with the heat on all the time. I keep it 72 deg. because at my age I get chilly at times and of course I am barefoot much of the time, so, while I was doing that I was mumbling bad words.....I am such an old grouch today.

, I can emphasize. We oldies (but goodies) are allowed to fuss, we have earned the right. Wishing you warmer days ahead.

JB, don't the parrots bother your plants? I have wild birds pecking at my plants outside all the time. They often uproot newly planted semps.