Saturday, January 8, 2011

January Surprise



One of the drawbacks of growing plants outside in the summer is finding a place for them when the weather turns cold.

Several plants around here hibernate in the basement during the winter. There's a long shelf beneath a couple of windows that let in some light and occasional sunshine. It's not an ideal situation but most of the hardy plants survive until spring.



The washing machine and drier are located downstairs, too. The other day, after doing a wash, I was on my way back upstairs when something caught my eye.  Walking over to the shelf near the windows, what a thrill it was to discover Christmas cactus in full bloom!

Two bright pink flowers sat at the ends of branches, facing one window. Little pink buds of flowers to come dotted several other branches. Earlier, in the fall, the cactus had been placed in a pretty white vase-of-sorts and then  pretty much forgotten. My "green thumb" husband occasionally watered the plant but other than that, it had survived by pure luck. What a hardy plant this native of Brazil tends to be!

In doing a little research about Christmas cactus, I learned that in its native habitat it grows in tree crevices, where branches come together!

So here it is, a Christmas cactus  blooming in  frigid January, just a couple of weeks after the big holiday after which it is named.

I love January surprises, don't you?

WHAT WAS THE LAST SURPRISE YOU HAD? CAN YOU REMEMBER?

9 comments:

Linda @ A La Carte said...

What a wonderful January surprise indeed. Lovely plant and a beautiful color.

diane stetson said...

I found a lovely blooming plant on my windowsill too Susan..however we do not have winter here. I can't grow a thing so it was a real surprise to see it in bloom! ha

Karen said...

What a pretty color. I found a very big surprise, when returning from Christmas vacation. A very strong pungent smell, we looked for two days - before we found it. The large corn plant in my living room had bloomed one bloom. Was not even aware they would or could bloom. It resembled a bloom on a hosta. But, oh so strong (sweet) smell. And crazy me did not take a picture. Clipped it off & took it outside. :(

Linda O'Connell said...

Same thing happened to my friend also. Beautiful gift!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

What a great surprise and how pretty it is!!

Happy PS!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Bookie said...

Nice for you....and that you have room for the plants inside. I am trying to keep a few but am cluttered...like with a Hibiscus looming in my utility room!

Anonymous said...

What a pretty surprise you got. I, too, move my plants to the basement in winter, but most usually die before spring arrives. I'll keep that plant in mind the next time I'm shopping for one.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

I also have a Christmas cactus, but I keep it indoors all year. It's blooming right now.

I don't generally bring plants in from the garden. They tend to get buggy, and critters are not welcome in my house. :)

Chatty Crone said...

And a beautiful surprise at that. sandie

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