A Very Special Plant

 We spent a lot of time with my grandmother growing up.  She loved to go fishing with grandpa and could fry up a catfish that is unbelievable.  I can still smell that wonderful aroma filling the house on a Sunday evening.  She enjoyed quilting.  Even won several ribbons for her beautiful designs.  I'm fortunate enough to be in possession of one of those special treasures.  She loved the garden too.  She composed some great dishes with those home grown crops.

She enjoyed having birds around too.  She loved to hear them singing in the mornings. She raised a family and remained strong even when things seemed to be hopeless.  I like to think I've got a little something of her in me.  I know my mom does.  Mom's a remarkable cook and still loves to garden.  I think they are inherent qualities.

The Chlorophytum Comosum, more typically referred to as a spider plant, is the first plant I ever received. I must have been in my early twenties when I received what would be the beginning of many generations and start overs for this common beauty.

When I set up house on my own I had no plants.  Grandma figured that wasn't proper so she donated a handful of transplants so I could start my own home grown house plants.  The spider plant is an excellent choice for a new beginner.  Not only is this plant a gorgeous color, but it is about the easiest plant I know to get started.

Every one of those little sprouts flying out of the middle of the plant actually develops it's own strong healthy roots.  Simply clip a the sprout slightly above the wing   All you need is a good pot, potting soil and some healthy fertilizer.  I have to caution though.  This plant will grow fast, and the bigger they get the more pleasant they are to have around.  Be prepared to get a much larger pot and transplant it soon. (see Transplanting Plants for more information).   These are a tropical plant and do not tolerate hot temperatures very well.  They do, however enjoy lots of indirect sunlight.


On a couple of  occasions I have opted to to give my spider plant a fresh start.  I clipped a handful of starts and produced a  new plant. I personally have three full grown plants growing in my living room right now.  My daughters have received there own share of starts from this plant.  It will always be grandma's plant and it's like I'm passing on a part of her to them.  I still see her when I look at my plant.  When I know my plant is reaching signs of distress I react quickly.  It wouldn't do me any good to let grandmas plant phase away to nothing.  It's one small way I can keep her close to me.

Keep Your Christmas Cactus Healthy All Year Long

It is one of the most beautiful, and perhaps unique plants around.  Given it's name for a timely seasonal blossoming the Christmas Cactus has a vibrant, satiny flower that is unlike any foliage I've seen. They also happen to be a very fragile plant. My mom gave me this cactus, well lets just say a few years ago. 

Classified as a tropical cactus, and not a typically identified desert cactus a Christmas Cactus requires year round care to assure that is is perky and ready to celebrate the holidays each year.  You can expect many years of pleasure since these jewels have been reported to live up to 100 years old.


Christmas Cactus enjoy plenty of sunlight, but not direct sunlight.  Set the plant a few feet from the window or any light source.  To much direct sunlight, or heat will cause the tips of the plant to burn. This tropical beauty enjoys a healthy dose of sand.  It will progress best with a blend of 75:25 potting soil to sand.  They bloom during the winter when the days are shorter and the nights are longer.  Move the plant away from direct sunlight to make sure you get the best blooms.  Cover the plant with a light sheet at night and to give the cactus a big boost.



Avoid pouring water directly into the plant.  Make sure you have planter with drainage holes, and fill a bottom saucer with a dash of water. TIP: I like to add a touch of coffee to the water about once a month to boost and promote healthy growth. Over watering a Christmas Cactus is the largest cause of damage.  If your plant is indoors the best rule is approximately 1 1/2 cups of water weekly.  Check the soil before watering.  It should never be moist to the touch.  If the ridges of the cactus begin to break off you may be watering too often.




The Grooves of the cactus plant will snap easily if
you aren't careful

The Christmas Cactus will survive well outdoors also.  Be sure it is placed in a well shaded area, and never left outdoors if the temperature rises above 90 degrees as it will burn quickly.  If  moving the plant to the outdoors be sure to adjust your watering routine to accommodate the warmer climate.  Instead of watering once a week you will need to add water every two to three days.   Be sure to add a sufficient amount of food for the plant and keep your eyes open for signs of soil bugs.Controlling Pests and Feeding your Garden for more tips.




It is easy to grow your own Christmas Cactus, or start another one from your own plant.  In the picture above you can see that each stem of the cactus is divided into several segments.  Break a few piece off at least three segments long.  Allow the end to dry for a few hours before you attempt to plant it.  Prepare the above mention mixture of 75:20 potting soil and sand.  When ready dip the tip in rooting compound and plant the stem at least 2 inches below the soil.  You can use a natural rooting compound made with willow shoots gathered from the spring and soaking them in water, or you can purchase some at any nursery. 

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The Benifits of Plants on Your Environment

Most of us by now have probably moved the plants back indoors for the for the colder months.  I'll admit I do get a little over enthusiastic with my plants.  When I last took count there are a total of 36 plants filling every bare spot of my home.  My collection includes a ficus tree that has been with me for fourteen years and stands 9 feet tall (thank goodness for vaulted ceilings).

Have you ever stopped to consider the benefits of having houseplants?  Of course there is the obvious.  They add a wonderful touch of ambiance to any room.  During the winter months an atmosphere of healthy, thriving green plants has proven to stave off those "winter blues".  You know, that feeling we get of wanting to be out in the fresh open air tearing into the spring garden again.  Feeling somewhat denied the pleasure of basking in the warm sunshine with a cool glass of fresh ice tea.  Wishing it was warm enough to fire up the grill and invite the neighbors over.  All that foliage we drag back indoors has proven to calm that feeling of loss.

Just like outdoor plants are know to help fight pollution and unhealthy air indoor plants will do the same.  Our homes are full of dangerous toxins that can lead to unwanted health issues.  The oxygen omitted by indoor plants will reduce carbon dioxide and even benzene and  formaldehyde.  The more vigorous and healthy the plant the better your results so be sure and follow the proper guide lines for the foliage's needs.  In order for any plant to be an environmental benefit the foliage and soil must both be kept as healthy as possible.

Studies have been conducted by many institutions to help determine exactly how extensive the benefits of plants can be on the environment.  It's very interesting to see the extent of experimenting conducted.  Research has shown that some plants tend to omit a higher volume of oxygen and are able to absorb a greater amount of toxins.  Just a few of these that are easy to grow and very sustainable are the Ficus, the Rubber Plant, The Lilly and many varieties of the Palm.  The Palm is a particular favorite.  Not only does it have a tropical feel with beautiful leaves, but it also happens to be particularly hardy.

I've always kept a plant in my work area.  It comes as not surprise to me that studies have shown those companies that allow plants in the work place have a lower rate of stress, and improved production.  Employees who spend the day working in those cramped little cubicles showed less anxiety when they were allowed to place plants in there surroundings.  What I find even more fascinating is the increase in focus and reaction time reported from employees with plants growing nearby.  What could possibly be the biggest benefit of plants in the workplace is a reported drop in sick time reported.


The benefits of house plants on the indoor environment is a continued research and one well worth looking into farther.  I'm pretty certain of one thing though.  With thirty six plants in every room of my home I hope I've got some pretty healthy air to breath.