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CACTASTIC
United States
Приєднався 26 гру 2014
Welcome to my channel! I'm David, and I'm absolutely crazy about plants. Here, we explore everything from cacti and succulents to beautiful orchids and bromeliads, as well as drought-tolerant landscaping. I've had a love for plants my entire life and even got my first cactus at about 9 years old. That was the start of my lifelong obsession with these incredible plants. If you share my passion for the spiky and fleshy world of cacti and succulents, hit that subscribe button and join our community. Let's geek out together about the beauty and wonder of the plant world! 🌵🪴
Time to Let Go? Should I Keep or Toss These Orchids?
In this video, we're taking a closer look at some of my struggling orchids and asking the tough question: Should I keep or toss them? Not every orchid in my collection is thriving, and sometimes it’s hard to know if they’re worth saving. Today, I’ll be evaluating a rescue Phalaenopsis orchid and a couple Oncidium orchids to decide if they have a chance to bounce back or if it’s time to say goodbye. Will my dancing lady orchid ever dance again??
Join me in my plant room as I examine these beautiful yet challenging orchids and share insights on common orchid care issues. I’ll be discussing what signs to look for in a healthy orchid, when to give a struggling orchid another chance, and when it might be better to let go. Whether you’re an experienced orchid grower or just starting out, I hope this video provides helpful tips and inspiration for anyone dealing with unhealthy orchids.
Join me in my plant room as I examine these beautiful yet challenging orchids and share insights on common orchid care issues. I’ll be discussing what signs to look for in a healthy orchid, when to give a struggling orchid another chance, and when it might be better to let go. Whether you’re an experienced orchid grower or just starting out, I hope this video provides helpful tips and inspiration for anyone dealing with unhealthy orchids.
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Відео
Inside My Drought-Tolerant Cactus & Succulent Garden: Front Yard Garden Tour
Переглядів 208Місяць тому
Welcome to a tour of my home cactus and succulent garden! In this video, I’ll take you through my front yard, transformed into a striking collector’s paradise. Designed with drought-tolerant landscaping, this garden features a wide variety of unique cacti and succulents that thrive in dry conditions. Whether you're a plant enthusiast or looking for inspiration for water-wise gardening, I hope y...
Potted Cactus & Succulent Collection Tour - Fall 2024
Переглядів 654Місяць тому
Welcome to my fall 2024 tour of my potted cactus and succulent collection! In this video, I'll walk you through some of my potted succulents (but sorry not all of them!) and see how they are looking in Late October of 2024. Featured plants: Trichodiadema densum Fenestraria aurantiaca Lophophora Mammillaria Fera rubria Arthrocereus Fenestraria rhopalophylla Neoportena occulta (Eriosyce occulta) ...
My Beautiful Jewel Orchid + Houseplant Tour | Fall 2024
Переглядів 170Місяць тому
It's been a while since my last upload, but I'm back with a brand new houseplant tour for Fall 2024! 🌿✨ In this video, I’ll walk you through my indoor garden and share how my houseplants are thriving this October. The star of the show is definitely my stunning Jewel Orchid (Ludisia Discolor), which is looking more beautiful than ever. 💎🌱 If you’re a plant lover, orchid enthusiast, or just curio...
Dealing with Stubborn Weeds: Digging Up Succulents for Control
Переглядів 16711 місяців тому
In todays episode I share a tip on how to deal with weeds that grow right at the base of a cactus or succulent. This method gets to the root of the problem so you don't have to pull up the same weeds again and again. I also give you a little peek at a few other succulents in my December garden.
Unboxing Paphiopedilums from Paph Paradise
Переглядів 13411 місяців тому
I bought myself some new Paphs Paph Paradise, an orchid Nursery located in California. Paph Paradise did not know I would create this video so my package was sent the same as any other. I share my experience with buying orchids online from Paph Paradise and getting orchids in the mail. Say hi in the comments and let me know if you have any questions. #Paphiopedilum #orchids #unboxingvideo
Potting Paphiopedilum Orchid Divisions
Переглядів 37211 місяців тому
Paphiopedilum, often called the Venus slipper, Lady Slipper or simply slipper orchids are one of my favorite genus of orchids. I recently divided a Paph that was growing in one of my terrariums. In this video we pot up these Paphiopedilum divisions in a new pot and discuss their care.
Intro to my orchids, dart frogs and houseplants.
Переглядів 734Рік тому
Step inside my personal plant room! Join me for a houseplant tour featuring my collection of orchids, terrariums, and various other interesting plants. I have many types of orchids including Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium, Cattleya, Oncidiums, Psychopsis and Jewel Orchids. I also give you a peek at my dart frogs! Like, subscribe, and let's explore together! 🌿🏡🪴 #houseplantsmakemehappy #HouseplantTour...
Should you closet your Christmas Cactus?
Переглядів 930Рік тому
Another unscripted video about the Christmas Cactus! This time I discuss that age old info on putting your cactus in a dark place to encourage blooming. SPOILER: I don't do that! I do discuss why you may want to though. Thanks for watching, like and subscribe! :)
First Try: Growing Air Plants from Seed 🌱🌱🌱
Переглядів 1,6 тис.Рік тому
In this episode, we delve into the world of air plants, from tiny seeds to delicate wonders of nature. Join us on an extraordinary botanical journey as we uncover the secrets of growing air plants from seed. Discover the fascinating story of how two Tillandsia ionantha plants led to the birth of seed pods, revealing the delicate, wispy seed fibers of air plants. Witness the challenges and surpr...
Adromischus Repotting and Care
Переглядів 444Рік тому
In this informative video, we'll dive into the fascinating world of Adromischus, a diverse and visually stunning group of succulent plants. Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting your succulent journey, you'll find valuable tips and step-by-step instructions on repotting Adromischus to help them flourish. In this video we discuss and repot an Adromischus marianiae herrei wh...
Cactus Seedlings Transplanting: Nurturing New Beginnings
Переглядів 200Рік тому
Join me in this hands-on journey as I delicately repot a collection of vibrant cactus seedlings. From Lophophora to Astrophytum, these tiny plants hold immense potential. Learn the essential steps for successful transplanting, ensuring their roots embrace a new home for growth. Discover expert tips on when to water these fledglings and the secrets to preventing rot. Stay tuned for a tantalizing...
Cactus Seedlings I'm growing in 2023
Переглядів 100Рік тому
Take a look at what type of cactus seedlings I have growing this year. I show Mammillaria, Gymnocalycium, Lophophora, Cleistocactus, Gasteria, Aloe and others.
Dividing & Transplanting Aloe | Aloe karasbergensis
Переглядів 204Рік тому
It’s the perfect time of year for diving & transplanting. In this video I dig up an Aloe karasbergensis that is planting in my yard. We then divide some offsets from this aloe, transplant the aloe and then finally I show you how to root aloe cuttings without any roots.
How to Grow and Care for the Thanksgiving Cactus
Переглядів 13 тис.Рік тому
Unscripted video discussing the Thanksgiving cactus. This cactus is similar to, and often referred to as the Christmas cactus. In the video I discuss the differences between these cacti (as well as the Easter cactus). This cactus is in the Schlumbergera genera (formally Zygocactus). This cactus makes a great houseplant and is one of my favorites! Chapters 0:00 Intro 1:50 What is a Thanksgiving ...
Video Screensaver | Hour with music | Entertaining | Pets
Переглядів 522 роки тому
Video Screensaver | Hour with music | Entertaining | Pets
Earth Stars | Cryptanthus bivittatus
Переглядів 2,6 тис.2 роки тому
Earth Stars | Cryptanthus bivittatus
Late Spring Garden Tour | Wild dagga in full bloom
Переглядів 1522 роки тому
Late Spring Garden Tour | Wild dagga in full bloom
May Cactus Flowers | What's in bloom this month
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May Cactus Flowers | What's in bloom this month
Desert Bromeliads In Full Bloom | Dyckia 'Grape Jelly'
Переглядів 4582 роки тому
Desert Bromeliads In Full Bloom | Dyckia 'Grape Jelly'
Haworthia collection including a superbloom!
Переглядів 6562 роки тому
Haworthia collection including a superbloom!
February Garden Tour Pre/Post Freeze - Plus how to protect succulent garden from frost
Переглядів 2052 роки тому
February Garden Tour Pre/Post Freeze - Plus how to protect succulent garden from frost
Earth Star Plant Care: How To Repot Cryptanthus
Переглядів 10 тис.2 роки тому
Earth Star Plant Care: How To Repot Cryptanthus
Pollinating Tillandsia ionantha | Air Plant Pollination
Переглядів 3,1 тис.2 роки тому
Pollinating Tillandsia ionantha | Air Plant Pollination
Time lapse Paphiopedilum orchid - Bud to flower two weeks
Переглядів 6732 роки тому
Time lapse Paphiopedilum orchid - Bud to flower two weeks
Tiger Jaws - Variation in my Faucaria trigrina succulents
Переглядів 2,1 тис.3 роки тому
Tiger Jaws - Variation in my Faucaria trigrina succulents
DIY Succulent green roof birdhouses | Turn any birdhouse into a succulent garden
Переглядів 2853 роки тому
DIY Succulent green roof birdhouses | Turn any birdhouse into a succulent garden
💚💚💚I absolutely LOVE this plant! I finally found one at a plant show but managed to kill it within 6 months. (😓 By over watering, of course!) Seeing those flowers was a thrill! They're so small, but still beautiful. I didn't even know it could flower. The pics of the different forms of the marianae species were really interesting. I want them all now! And that "log" pot is amazing. The top dressing looks great with it, too. You have a great eye for design and presentation. I'm determined to find another Adromischus marianae-any form- and I'll definitely be more careful about watering it. 🫡 Scouts honor!
You have a really nice cacti and succulent collection. What zone do you live in? I am in Zone 10a and I keep my bromeliad outdoors year round. I have it in a pot and I keep it up against the wall of my house.
Wow, I would never get rid of an olive tree! I dream of having my own olive tree! They can cost upwards of 5,000 where I live. They are treasures.
That beautiful hummingbird!!! : O You are so lucky! The garden looks amazing ^^
Wonderful work!!! So much better than the grass! Well done!
I know this is an older video so I don't know if you will get this message. I have a 20 year old cactus l think't believeit's a Thanksgiving cactus. Thiner not spikey leaves. It may get one or two blooms. My problem is it is gorgeous and large so I love it but can't get it to bloom. It is in my living room so sadly it is probably too warm at night and maybe too much light however dim light. Have you any suggestions for me. I can't move it I have no where else to put it. It would be magnificent if it blooms. Any help would be appreciated thank you so much 😍
Hi Jeanette! Thank you so much for watching and sharing about your beautiful cactus-20 years is amazing! From what you describe, it might actually be a Christmas cactus, especially if the leaves have smoother edges without the characteristic spiky edged leaves of a Thanksgiving cactus. Here are a few suggestions that might help encourage it to bloom: 1/ Consider Light Levels: Sometimes, not enough light can limit blooming. I know you mentioned you can’t move it but if possible, giving it a bit more light during the day might encourage flowering. 2/ Try a Nighttime Cover: if you think it’s getting too much light at night - covering it each night with a cloth can help provide the extra darkness it needs without moving it to a new location. 3/ Reduce Watering Temporarily: Slightly reducing watering in the weeks leading up to bloom season can help. This drought stress can act as a natural trigger for blooming, signaling the plant that it's time to flower. 4/ Use a Phosphorus-Rich Fertilizer: Fertilizers high in phosphorus can encourage blooming, so applying one geared toward flowering plants a few weeks before blooming season could make a difference. Christmas cacti generally don’t need low nighttime temperatures to bloom and can often flower well at typical household temperatures in my experience. But maybe your home is much warmer than mine 😆 I hope one of these tips helps your cactus bloom beautifully!
@ do you ever mist your cactus? Just wondering if it was good for them.
Good question! I typically do not mist my plants - I mostly worried about water spots and mineral buildup on the leaves. But I do periodically (2-4x a year) rinse down the entire plant and try to clean any dust and dirt off of the leaves.
Your garden looks awesome, David. Wow that is a fast growing Euphorbia! I'll have to get one of those. Thank you for sharing with us. Have a wonderful day from Edith & myself 🌵☀️🌸🌼🌺🏜
Careful what you wish for! This one needs some space 😁
What a fun, diverse collection! Loved seeing the blooms. Especially cool on the pickle plant!
I enjoy it ☺️ The bloom on the pickle plant was a nice surprise this year! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment Mel
Thanks David, nice video and great how to care explanation.
Your welcome! I’m due for a new Crypanthus video 🙂
Awesome update on your cacti, David 😊 Love those Haworthia clumps. Thank you for sharing with us. Have a wonderful day from Edith & myself 🌵☀️🌸🌼🌺🏜
Thank you Daz. I also enjoy my Haworthia, especially my old H. turgida 💕
I love, love, love your orchid cactus. All of those fruit on it! Just gorgeous! That is one of my FAVORITE plants. I just added 2 to my collection this week. Thank you for your great video!
Thanks Gaby and thanks for watching! I'm also loving the way the fruit are looking on that cactus (its Epiphyllum guatemalense monstrose). I have another orchid cactus that didn't make it into this video, but I hope to show it soon!
gj88844 Last year I purchased two cacti which I thought were Christmas Cactus. Turns out, they are Thanksgiving cactus. They barely survived last fall/winter and both dropped all their buds. Come spring, I put them outside in a shaded area. I brought them in about 3 weeks ago and they are in the basement under a grow light for approximately eight hours/day and they are doing rather well and buds are setting on. The basement (for other than the grow light) is totally dark and about 10 degrees cooler than the upstairs.
Good to see another video from you, David. Your plants are looking fantastic. Thank you for sharing with us. Have a wonderful day from Edith & myself 🌵☀️🌸🌺🌼🏜
Thank you Daz. Hope you and Edith have been doing well!
Beautiful my friend!
Thank you Coreyn!
I would like to know how you keep your plant so "bushy" and full instead of uneven around. I have a red one and a pink, which is the one that's gotten so big but a little untidy. You have a beautiful plant there and I'm sure your grandmother would be extremely happy with your stewardship 😊
Thank you! To keep it bushy, there are two things you can try: 1) Encourage multiple stems to grow from soil level. The fewer stems there are, the less bushy the plant will look. You can take cuttings from the plant and add them to the soil to start new stems. I like to have at least 3 stems for bushier plants. 2) Light pruning will help. Cutting it back encourages more side branching, which leads to a fuller, bushier plant. Hope this helps, and good luck with your cactus!
And could you substitute akadama for the Calcined Clay?
Absolutely! This would likely be better too :)
The 1/8 is the size of the lava rock and the Calcined Clay?
Yup, Both are quite fine sized!
I really enjoyed this video 😊 I hope that someday my truncata will be as big as yours!
Thank you Julia! Good luck with your cactus. I hope it brings you many years of joy.
BRILLIANT! Using the previous pot as a template is awesome! You aren’t fighting to work around the plant nearly as much! Thank you!!! This is my very first Bromeliad and I got the Cryptanthus Red Earth. So pretty!
Yes, they are so pretty!! I also love the trick of using the previous pot as a template in the new pot. Especially for plants that are hard to get around. Good luck with your new bromeliad! Earth Stars are good ones :)
I just ordered one ..im so excited to add this gorgeous plant to my collection..
Awesome! I love these. I hope your Cryptanthus is doing well 💕
thank you for making the video. I am still trying to get the hang for the cryptanthus family. This video is quite inspiring. I love the idea of replanting the pups in the same pot to give it that 'family group look'.
Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! I want to make another video on these soon. My Cryptanthus is due for another repotting.
Can’t kill these things. Been 2 months. They’re endless.
How are your ionantha seedlings doing?
I'm sad to report they died after 6 months or so 😩 I was having a hard time keeping the moisture level right. I think I kept fluctuating between too moist and too dry and eventually lost them. I did collect more seeds since these though and I'd like to try again. Better luck next time I hope!
Cute video! Thanks for creating this awesome project. I will have to dig out the old trim wood pieces in the shed and make something like this!
I like them all! Beautiful video, thank you so much. The pots are also beautiful.
Have you ever had a hitchhiker meaning a tiny seedling of unknown parentage that has grown on the leaf of one of your Tillandsia? Also, since both varieties were the same Ionantha you are only getting the same plant seeds so it would’ve been more exciting if you would’ve did the cross breeding.
Did u ended up planting the seeds?
I did plant them! I also grafted some of the seedlings :)
Beautiful garden u have 👍
Thank you!! I’ve just done the same by planting mine in the (supposedly) correct type of soil. I tested the soil afterwards and unfortunately it was high in P. I used a bag of specialist mix that said ‘low phosphorus’ but when I tested it, it tested to be ‘moderate’ in phosphorus. Thanks for the awesome video!
Wait, is Easter cactus different???
Man one of those lophs looks abit sorry for itself, hard to say what it is from the video at first i thought the yellowing maybe previous mite damage but doesnt look blotchy enough, maybe a ph issue or fertilization problem, personally i use a mix of peat free cacti compost, pumice, horticultural grit and small amount of limestone chippings to slightly raise the ph as they are one of the few cacti that really like a more alkaline ph, best thing you can do is get a all in one substrate reader, ph, moisture, temp etc, although to be honest in such a inorganic mix it might not get a great reading, i had a similar problem with one of mine but it was like it when i got it
Thanks for sharing your tips, especially on the reminder on Lophs and pH. You might be onto something with the pH issue. The plants had also just gone through a winter outdoors and had yet to perk up. I grew these plants from seed over 10 years ago. Fortunately, I haven't encountered mites on my cacti yet - fingers crossed the universe keeps them at bay! 😄
Hi you where saying you pollinated them it will be appreciated for you to make a Video and show us how and what it turn out thank for sharing your wisdom two years ago I started my collection of this gorgeous plants need the purple one still 😍💕
Yes! I have pollinated these cacti before and grown them from seed. It takes quite a bit of patience to grow cacti from seed. I will definitely consider making a video on that subject. Good luck with your new Christmas cactus collection. These are such wonderful plants!
I really feel for you! Ideal with bermuda grass here in south texas. Isnt it funny how it always seems to get into the most difficult plants. I just subscribed and really love your vids. Here in south texas we have a large selection of cactus yucca and agaves and we can grow a variety of aloe. Again great vids😊
Hi Juan! Thanks for subscribing and saying hi in the comments. Bermuda grass is such a pain in a succulent garden! Hopefully we can all learn tips from each other and keep it at bay. I wish you the best of luck in your South Texas garden! 😊
Thanks for the great tips on how to add the roof. They look really cool. The plants probably help the birds feel camouflaged and safe.
You're welcome Ruth. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I was also hoping the succulents would help the birds feel they had a natural home.
nice fan aloe "plicatilus"! I have 3 growing here in Kula, Maui. One of my favorites besides my protea.
Gardening sounds wonderful in Hawaii! I also enjoy my plicatilus. It's starting to mature and forming a trunk now. The mature ones look too cool. When I was editing this video I noticed the plicatilus is forming a flower stem which will be nice. I noticed this one doesn't bloom quite as often as many of my other Aloes.
@@CACTASTIC "They" moved it into the tiny genus "Kumara". That could explain the blooming differences which I see in my yard as well. When I was outside Cape Town at the Harold Porter Botanical Garden I saw one the size of a minivan. No telling how old that one was. One other good thing about them is that the deer leave them alone....the slugs/snails not so much.
@@mauicountygis5450 I'll be long gone by the time mine is bus sized 😂
@@CACTASTIC I just ordered a giant sequoia sapling so I hear you!
Your yard looks nice! I envy that you can plant aloe out under full sun. It was satisfying to watch you pull out that hesperaloe, clean the weeds and see the results after. Great job!
Thanks so much, Ana! It's really a joy to have the space and climate to let these aloes thrive. I'm glad you enjoyed the hesperaloe weeding segment - it's always rewarding to see the before and after of a good garden clean-up.
Thanks for the tips. I’ve got to repot mine after the squirrels got to it, so I was just checking for the best soil mix. The one I used ( probably orchid bark) was too dry most of the time. I’ll add potting soil like you did. And you’re right , those are great pots.
You're very welcome! I'm glad you found the tips helpful. Too bad about the squirrel; but it created a great opportunity to try a new soil mix. I think a 100% bark mix will only work with these plants in very humid environments. Mixing potting soil with orchid bark is a good choice to ensure proper moisture retention without overwatering. It's all about finding that perfect balance. Good luck with your Cryptanthus ShyDog!
Sib Cross leaves are beautiful!
I thought so too! I hope the red in the leaves means this plant will produce very red flowers. I can't wait to see all these Paphs grow and flower.
Omg! Your cactus is so big and full of beautiful flowers! Love the orange hybrid that you created. It is one unique color.
Thank you Ana. It’s always fun to grow your own hybrids. Merry Christmas!
Thank you. My Paphiopedilum orchid, "Raisin pie," budded for the second time (yea!) since I was gifted it by the husband of a friend, a member of the Maryland Orchid Society. I was wondering how long it would take the bud to open up fully. It's still nodding downward. So excited. I was worried I might kill it, overwater it, have the house too warm, too cool, etc. I'm a new "parent." so anxious. I only noticed the bud last week. Thanks for the video.
Great job, Karen, with your Paphiopedilum orchid! It sounds like you're definitely on the right track, especially with it reblooming. These plants require a bit of patience; they usually bloom just once a year for me. Coincidently, I just posted a new Paphiopedilum video today! Do check it out - you might find some useful tips there. Thanks a lot for watching and for your comment. Best of luck with your Paphiopedilum orchid! They truly are wonderful plants.
All such cuties! 😊❤🌵
I think so too! Its so fun growing up little cactus seedlings.🌵 Nice to see you in the comments Ana. Hope you're having a cozy December and staying warm with a cup of coffee☕😊
I love your channel!
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. Hope to see you again soon. 😊❤️🌱
Gorgeous
Christmas cactus are the best!
My grandma recently moved in with me and she has a Christmas cactus that isn't doing that great. She has had it for years so I really want to try to get it well again. It is not blooming, but beyond that, it is just pretty leggy, and pretty thin. And the root ball is tiny. The pot it was in got knocked over and broke, that's why i know that. So, I was just reading that you should not have them in a pot that is too big, they almost want to be root bound. If this is true then I put it in a pot much too large for it. Should I repot it?
Hi Jennifer. It's great that you want to help your grandma's Christmas cactus thrive again. Based on your description, it sounds like the cactus might benefit from a few adjustments. Firstly, the legginess and thin appearance is most likely due to insufficient light. A Christmas cactus would grow like this if it was kept too far from a window. Christmas cacti typically do well with ample bright, filtered sunlight. In smaller windows or more northern climates, they would benefit from some direct sunlight, as long as it's not too intense or prolonged. If it wasn't getting enough light in its previous location, moving it closer to a window with appropriate direct sunlight exposure could definitely help. You're correct that Christmas cacti prefer to be slightly root-bound. Overpotting can lead to issues with overwatering and root rot. If the root ball is small, I would repot it into a smaller pot with well-draining soil. I like plastic pots with Christmas Cactus. Placing the plastic pot within a decorative, heavier pot will prevent tipping. Remember to water your Christmas cactus when the soil feels dry to the touch, and avoid letting it sit in water. Proper watering is crucial for its overall health. I hope these tips help your grandma's Christmas cactus recover and thrive. Best of luck, these are such wonderful houseplants!
@@CACTASTIC thank you so much! I will definitely make these adjustments asap. 😁♥️
Stupendous, I have grown most of these but my love for plants intersects more with plantscaping and design while your hobby seems to stand at the crossroads between flora and fauna.
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. I've been trying to pay more attention to design and aesthetics recently. But honestly I never really cared, I always just loved the plants and seeing them happy and grow :)
Same with Australian plants David
Thank you for sharing your experience with Australian plants. I appreciate it, and I'll definitely keep this in mind as I work on my own garden 😊
Very cool - looks like a beautiful little alien!
So true!!! 👽 👾 🤖 Paphiopedilums are pretty out of this world 🛸
Wow... I loved your jewel orchid. It is growing so nicely. I have one and i hope to grow many cuttings also.
Thank you. I love jewel orchids 🥰 This orchid roots very easily! After its flower you can cut some stems off and simply stick the stem down in some soil. They root in water too, but I usually just skip this step. Bust of luck with your jewel orchid in the years to come!
I live in coastal San Diego (Coronado); where in CA are you? I have heard other gardeners refer to SoCal as “ground-zero for succulents”, something I find to be quite true. Basically from the Bay Area south, all the way to México, along the west coast is every Christmas cactus’ ideal habitat. Even though they’re from Brazil, they’re not hardcore tropical, Amazon-Basin plants, they’re from the Atlantic coastal forests… so really, coastal California should be ideal for them. And I think it is! Mine are outside 24/7, 365. I don’t think they’d do too well indoors actually. Here, that is. I do keep them in bright outdoor shade or indirect light (under shade screen, mesh, etc., or even in a shady tree) during spring/summer. Once temps go down a bit, they seem to just ”know” to flower, no matter where they’re at. Doesn’t really seem to affect them one way or another, if I deprive them of light or not. They still bloom, like clockwork; the Easter cacti in spring, Thanksgiving cacti in fall, Xmas cacti in Nov/Dec. I don’t put them in a box, or cover them or place them in a closet. What I will do is just transfer them to somewhere outdoors with more overhead protection, usually our back patio or the garden workshop area. It’s northwest facing, so barely gets any light. But it does receive ample reflected light off of the pavement, and even then, a plant has to be specifically placed to even get that bit of afternoon light. Its pretty dark under there. Walls bordering on three sides and a roof overhead.. so good windbreak. But even if I didn’t relocate them, I know they’d bloom regardless. Whenever I start to feel “cold”, such as right now (when it’s been raining & it’s a frigid… 58°F/14°C!! 😱🥶 ), I have to remember that many of these plants we grow are not necessarily tropical JUNGLE plants, but rather equatorial cloud forest plants. Such as a number of Marantaceae species, bromeliads, orchids, Spathiphyllum and Anthurium (and many aroids), etc. I find that these _Schlumbergera_ or _Zygocactus_ (whatever it is!) ok now I’m rambling, damn Adderal…my bad! 🤣
I'm in the Bay Area. But I'm more inland so I experience more temperature extremes, both high and low. When I lived closer to the coast I would keep my Christmas cactus outdoors over the winter, but now I've been taking them in for the coldest months of the year. Some winters I get a light frost. While they would survive this, I can tell it's a bit too cold here for their preference. I definitely do some experimenting with cold hardiness. This year I've been trying more tropical (opposed to desert) bromeliads outdoors. So far they look pretty good and its gone down to around 38F. Here in the Bay Area we get all our rain in the winter during the coldest months of the year. Unfortunately cold + wet is not a good combination for a lot of the plants I love, but I try to make it work.
It all looks soo good! These type of videos get me motivated to do my own plant work that needs to be finished! The dart frog tank with the creeping fig and Paphiopedilum is great. I don’t see enough people utilizing orchids, like those, into dart frog enclosures, or other reptile-amphibian setups. I know there are those who use jewel orchids, at least some use them, but Paph’s would seem like a great choice!
I've had some great experiences with Paphiopedilums in terrariums! Finding the right orchids to fit in a terrarium can be a bit of a puzzle though, especially when they're in bloom. Even Jewel Orchids need quite a bit of height when in full bloom. I do have Jewel Orchids in my tallest terrarium that is just under 2' tall. My most recent Pahiopedilum is a type that has short flower stems. I'm excited to try it in a terrarium. It feels like a perfect match! 😊