BASIL BECKY..... Gardening from the Heart: Why does my Christmas Cactus Bloom at Thanksgiving...

BASIL BECKY..... Gardening from the Heart: Why does my Christmas Cactus Bloom at Thanksgiving...: WELL...it is because it is a Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) versus a Christmas Cactus.( Schlumbergera bridgesii ...

Why does my Christmas Cactus Bloom at Thanksgiving?

WELL...it is because it is a Thanksgiving Cactus(Schlumbergera truncata) versus a Christmas Cactus.( Schlumbergera bridgesii). This beauty was passed down to me from my Mom.

It is such an easy plant to take care of and gives me so much joy knowing that my mom loved it.

Look at the leaves....

This is the secret. The Thanksgiving Cactus leaves "phylloclades" are serrated or toothed. The Christmas Cactus is more rounded.

Here are some tips for care of this precious plant:

#1 Allow the soil to dry out during resting periods or when it is not producing bloom

#2 Water only when the soil is dry to touch. Overwatering can kill the plant. Provide plenty of light and room temps of 60 to 65 degrees. 

#3 There are all kinds of ways to promote more blooms etc but I just let it be..in the same space. Maybe because I am a Beatles fan. But my Thanksgiving Cactus that was given to me by my mom I just "Let it Be"

My Favorite Fall Flower

I moved into my house some 32 years ago in late spring.  That year was a year of plant discoveries.  Early in the growing season, I began to see paddle-shaped leaves some getting about 24 inches long and 6 inches wide.  They are a very attractive olive green.

I was just way too overwhelmed by the potential and all the plants emerging on my 7 amazing acres of land to focus on these particular plants growing and growing.

However much to my surprise around September, these plants presented me with a gift, a gift that has continued to be my favorite fall flower for the 30 years I have lived at my Kentucky Homestead.

"Aster tataricus" is the most amazing pollinator loving flower.  How do I love it let me count the ways?
#1. It stands straight up and does not fall over or flop like other Asters until the very end of the season.
#2. It is a low grower and does not really start shooting up in the garden until the perennials around it are ready to retire for the season.
#3. The pink to purplish flowers are loved way into the late fall season. In fact, one time I was so focused on taking a photo of a monarch feasting on the blooms that I did not even notice a hummingbird enjoying the blooms one bloom away.
#4. It is such an easy reliable old faithful. I have even seen praying mantis, native bees,  wasps and so much more.
#5. Native, perfect for naturalizing. I love to share and it has been so popular at our Master Gardeners plant sale.

So this one wins.....if you can't find it, email me and I will send you one!