Showing posts with label Christmas cactus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas cactus. Show all posts

Monday, December 12, 2011

In The Pink



The pink Christmas cactus has an opening bud! These are always a treat.

A red hibiscus flower bloomed yesterday and is still lovely today—a bonus of cold temperatures and a lack of sun. Though I am physiologically affected by a lack of sunlight (as everyone is, whether they admit it or not), the Lord has been changing my outlook regarding “gloomy” weather. As my family has a number of birthdays in a row, with one blessedly advanced, I’ve begun to realize that since God has given us each day, I need to make the most of it and be thankful, whether sunny or “gloomy.”

But it did feel really cold when I went out just now! When it warms up a bit (the sun is expected to visit later), I’m thinking that it will be a good time to cut the yellow green sweet potato vines way back, though I’m not expecting them to regrow since they’re annuals. It’s the end of the season for the now brown-spotted leaves but my indoor cuttings are still in good shape. Who knows, maybe I can keep them going all winter and not have to buy new plants in the late spring?

Meanwhile, it's a good day to play Christmas music and decorate. I’ve once again been impressed with how worshipful, meaningful and uplifting the words to the old Christmas carols are!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Firecracker Surprise


As I sat in the sunroom earlier this week reading the Bible and enjoying my surroundings, I glimpsed a spot of color behind one of my Christmas cacti. Was it a bud? I still have my sense of wonder and was delighted to discover two scarlet buds! Hmm, if this one is budding, maybe the other one is as well. Yes, it had a fully opened pink blossom with another close behind!

My Christmas cacti bloom sporadically and always on the side closest to the window; their firecracker blooms can burst open before I know it. The flowers don’t last very long so I have to enjoy them right away. I turned the pots so that the flowers face me; today I brought the scarlet one off its shelf into full view so I can enjoy its full glory.

Last night as I looked through a houseplant book I was reminded that many of my plants like high humidity. They’re getting plenty today with temperatures in the mid to upper 70’s and lots of rain coming!

The pink and scarlet “firecrackers” and a red hibiscus brighten the gray day.