I didn't mean to, but . . . .

In the past 18 months we have been given two Christmas cacti. Both have sent off babies. Who knew letting leaves touch the soil would let them root in and start new plants?
I now have four potted up, in addition to the original two. Does anyone know how I can con an innocent gardener into taking Christmas cacti off my hands (and window sill, which is a bit crowded at this point)?
I've thought about asking the local residential home for the elderly if they would take some for their residents to have in their rooms. After all, they are practically maintenance free and require little water (the cacti, not the residents) and might cheer someone up (me, to get rid of them.)

 

Perhaps a pre holiday liquidation....limited time only......avoid the holiday lines.....Christmas Cactus extravaganza....comes with instruction sheet......act now while plants are free, etc.....etc......etc. Free with purchase of a dozen eggs?? Ask the chickens if it's O.K. first.

Jerry

 

Most retirement centers do not mind if the residents have flowers or greenery of any kind. Ask people at your church for names. There are always a few whose family live away or have no family,,I am sure they would appreciate one.

 

Jerry, love your idea, but the hens nixed it. They don't want to lay four dozen eggs to go with the cacti!
Mart, I called the local retirement center (since I don't have a church, I couldn't ask for names, but it is a good idea) and they don't object to greenery in the rooms. The activities director said that if all four weren't adopted, she would put the extras in the common room.
Now all I have to do is keep any cactus leaves from touching the soil!

 

Very cool. Keep up the great work!

 

Went into town this morning bearing Christmas cacti for the retirement home. As I left, all four plants were heading down hallways, clutched in somewhat arthritic hands and beaming smiles. I'm going to propagate more, intentionally. I had small cards describing the care of the cacti, but I know they are going to get overwatered!

 

Oh yea, more plants are killed by kindness than any other reason. However, they might surprise you as many of the older people have cared for all kinds of plants most of their lives. Hopefully one that knows will teach the others.