One of my Christmas cactus plans is blooming right now. I’m very surprised (but pleased) because I had to put all 3 of my plants in a north-facing window from November through mid-April to make room in my south-facing bay window for my blooming amaryllis and hyacinth bulbs. Christmas Cactus plants like a period of darkness (12 hours for a month or two) before they’re encouraged to set buds. Our living room is not a place that’s ever going to offer 12 hours of darkness!
What’s more surprising is the color of the flowers. I’ve grown two flower colors for many years (with the exception of the white one I tried to grow that eventually rotted). One is hot pink and white, and the other is scarlet-red and white:
So why does the plant blooming now have melon-orange flowers?
Perhaps because the it had less light the last few months it didn’t have enough energy to churn out those bright red and white flowers?
Whatever is going on, the flowers are pretty. And around here, any time I can keep a houseplant thriving is a cause for celebration!