Mr. McGregor’s Daughter asked all of us to take a census of our houseplants. Somehow, this census is supposed to save her relationship with all of her houseplants, or was that her husband? I can’t remember. She said anything alive counts, so here goes:
The above are barely living tulips. Don’t ask me why they look so bad. I also have a very sad Norfolk pine which is hanging on, and being the merciful sort I am, I did not photograph it because it was too embarrassed. Let’s move on to the amaryllis (really Hippeastrum) which finally decided to bloom after Christmas. I had plans for it with the jolly, red decor, but sometimes plants don’t cooperate.
The next picture is in here just because I love the vase which I purchased online. I also have a blue one, but forgot to photograph it. Antique stores are another great way to find bulb vases, once you’ve gone over the edge and are growing bulbs everywhere.
My double pink hyacinth called the double Chestnut Flower (1880) is starting to bloom. It is surrounded in the pot by white hyacinths which, I’m guessing, aren’t going to catch up to the pink one. Oh well, something to look forward to I suppose. I bought the double pink from Old House Gardens, and it does live up to the catalog’s glorious praises. It is nicely scented and beautiful to gaze upon. At the moment, watching it unfurl those double petals is about as good as houseplants get in my opinion.
“That’s not fair,” cry the Christmas cacti, Schlumbergera et al. (one of them may be a Thanksgiving cactus). All three are perched indignantly around the tub reminding me that they have now bloomed twice. I do enjoy bathing with them, and after reading the new issue of Country Gardens magazine, I think we should add some African violets in vintage containers to the mix. They could sit in the windows I think.
I’m really rather ashamed of how light pink is potted up. Its original dark brown pot was knocked over by one of the cats, and HH threw it into this pot. Because I’m a terrible indoor gardener, I’ve never re-potted it. I think I’ll fix that this weekend.
I found this little number at a local nursery last winter. I felt bad because I didn’t have any indoor plants except the cacti, so I saw this little jungle number and brought it home. It also resides in the bathroom which is the best place in my house because of the humidity. The aforesaid kitten likes to hide between the leaves and eat this plant. It hasn’t killed her yet, so I guess it isn’t poisonous. Oh, and before you call PETA, I’ve tried to get it away from her. I really have.
A few more bulbs (about ten in all), and that’s it. However, against my better judgment, I’m considering a terrarium. This afternoon I bought and I’m now reading Tovah Martin’s, The New Terrarium: Creating Beautiful Displays for Plants and Nature
Martin almost has me convinced. The terrariums look easy care, and if you want to live inside this house, you almost need to care for yourself, especially if you’re a houseplant. Just ask the cacti.
What a beautiful collection! And I love all your pots. I’m pretty neglectful with house plants, and I hate to admit how many Norfolk pines I’ve done in. So it’s wonderful to enjoy yours.
We’re enjoying Chestnut Flower in bloom here, too. It seems to force beautifully using our extra-easy technique which is to simply store the bulbs in a paper bag in the refrigerator for 8-12 weeks and then put them “on water” at normal room temperature. In other words, they can grow their roots successfully AFTER their cold period, instead of during it, which simplifies the whole process. As for your tulips, I agree that it’s best to cover the bulbs with soil. We recommend setting the bulbs so their tips are just below the upper rim of the pot, so they have plenty of room below to grow their roots, and then covering them so the tips are just barely below the soil surface. Good luck. Spring is coming!
Scott, I threw some more soil on them. You’re the expert in bulbs. I bow to your knowledge. I’m loving that hyacinth. Just the right amount of fragrance.~~Dee
I am not good with houseplants, plus baby cat likes to chew them! So I have a couple of Bamboo and a Christmas Cactus which is 3 yrs old and now blooming. You have a very nice selection.
You have a nice collection Dee. I think you would love a terrarium. I have been able to grow an Earth Star in one for several years. I had tried to grow one several times before without luck. One really took to the terrarium. I even have a little spot of moss growing there. Only once or twice per year, usually during summer, I give it a little rain water. Amazing.
The photos of your Christmas cactuses remind me of how much I love the way they look, how forgiving they are (in spite of my abuse), and how mine never seem to bloom at Christmas. 🙂 I haven’t had one for 6 years–I think it’s time to try again.
I love the Chestnut Flower Hyacinth, too. I agree that the color of the pale pink zygocactus doesn’t go with the pot. Funnily enough, though, I was admiring the pot and wondering where you got it!
Ever since we insulated our upstairs, I haven’t gotten my zygocactus to bloom well. It’s frustrating.
Thanks for joining in! I love your Hyacinth vase, it’s beautiful even without a Hyacinth. I think I’m going to have to try ‘Chesnut Flower’ next year, I really like the double blooms. I lost count, but it seems you have more indoor plants than I do. I’m starting to wonder if I’m the only one who buries the forcing Tulip bulbs? It works for me.
Lovely Dee! I love the cacti around the tub.
Beautiful zygocactus! And the tropical one, whatever it is. I don’t see what’s wrong with that one pot; I like it.