My harp leaps up when I behold
A Christmas Cactus nigh…
(With apologies to Wordsworth!)

This post began as a way to display my cactus, which is in full bloom. My harp seems a natural companion for this colorful plant, since sight and sound complement each other perfectly, lifting the spirit in the darker days of fall.

Although this variety is often sold in stores as a Christmas cactus, it is actually a Thanksgiving cactus. A true Christmas cactus has rounded, scalloped edges without points, and blooms in December. A Thanksgiving cactus has sharp tooth-like projections with points along the sides. It blooms earlier, usually in October or November.

Diagram courtesy of Mars Hydro.

I don’t want to harp on this, but the next time YOU see a “Christmas Cactus”, be sure to look closely. Apparently, I didn’t . . . for more than a dozen years!

• flowers
• Music