The Cactus Surprise

Christmas cacti are strange plants.  They are actually a genus called Schlumbergera and originated in the coastal mountains of Brazil.  I didn't know that until I just looked them up.  I have three of them, all given to me by my Mom.  One of them was started from my great-grandmother's plant.  It's the only one that has ever bloomed.  If I remember, it is a lovely dark pink color.

One of them is a large plant with very cactus like spines.  I hope it does bloom someday because the blossoms are HUGE, about 6 inches long or so.  

 The third cactus is blooming now, for the first time in my memory.  It is stunningly beautiful.  The plant is covered with buds and blooms.  The blooms are about 3 inches long.  I don't think I've ever seen a lovelier Christmas cactus. 

What a sweet Christmas gift.