Andrea’s Path to Plants

I don’t know about you, but I tend to get a bit sad when the days get shorter and the outside gets whiter. So I have some easy plants inside that flower during the ‘off-season’ here in Calgary. I’ve highlighted a few below that seem to tolerate our dry winters (do turn up your humidifiers tho, people). If you want any care advice on these guys, comment below or send me an inquiry. And if you have an easy favourite, let me know!

Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera)

When treated right, the Thanksgiving cactus will bloom up to three or four times during the fall and winter months. I like this variety in particular as it blooms earlier in the season. They are named such for the season in which they start blooming. (Ie: Christmas cactus & Easter cactus). The increase in darkness is what triggers the blooming for these plants, so if you have yours situated in an area where there is a lot of artificial light at night, it may take longer for them to bloom. This is one of the first plants I ever started taking care of like a proper adult and I’ve had the same one for over fifteen years. And one individual I have was a cutting from a friend’s grandmother’s plant, and it is over eighty years old by now. So yes, these plants are tough!

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

I love Peace lilies! They communicate with very dramatic means when they are thirsty as they simply flop over like they are dead. You know those videos of fainting goats? It’s kind of like that. I remember my mother was looking after our house one summer while we were away, and she sincerely and very guiltily thought she had killed my Hector. (Yes, I name my plants). And it really did look like it had given up the will to live. But a little soaking, and it was back to self very quickly.

Clivia

My Clive always seems to surprise me when he blooms, mostly because it’s usually after I’ve neglected him for quite a while. I think a ‘dry bout’ helps, to be honest, but at any rate, he gives off very bright happy blooms off one flower stalk (florescence). And he always makes my social media when he does. Famous, Clive is.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamifolia)

Did you know these ones bloom? It’s an unusual bloom and I honestly had my ZZ plant for over 12 years before it started blooming. The flower is a bit more unusual than what you may be used to in a house plant, but it’s pretty impressive and lasts quite a while.

African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha)

For the longest time I despaired my African violet would ever bloom again. They just need a little fertilizer every once in a while and that seems to do the trick. Who knew? There’s so many different and pretty varieties out there to choose from, my current favourite is white. Perhaps because I bought it in winter and it seemed kind of a Snow White beauty.

Orchids (Orcidaceae)

I confess I don’t have the best luck with these ones. I’m not an orchid officianado so please don’t ask my advice on this one. I’m always just simply thrilled when mine decide to throw up a stalk and flower. I have three ‘rescue’ orchids and one gifted one in my house. They are each beautiful in their own unique way. Below is my current fave:

Kalanchoe (Kalancho bossfeldiana)

Kalanchoe seems to come out always at the same time as Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus in the greenhouses. They have cute little blooms and come in many different colours. Like the cactus mentioned above, you can keep them year round and they will rebloom for you with a little bit of care. (No pic, I currently don’t have one in the house but don’t let that stop you from purchasing one).

Hoya

My mom made my dad get rid of his long-lived hoya as when it bloomed, it stank to high heaven and dripped a sticky nectar everywhere. So that is the sum of my experience with that. The hoya I have now hasn’t bloomed yet, so I’ll keep you posted. I can tell you it absolutely loves neglect. I’m sure the variety I have won’t smell too strongly, right?