My Christmas cactus finally bloomed, although it waited until February. I bought it several years ago during the Yule season. Its delicate flowers added life to my holiday decorations.

The following December it stayed dormant. I researched the proper care for the plant to ensure it would bloom at the right time.  In late September I placed it in a cool room with no artificial light during the night. I watered it sparingly.  Come December, nothing!  The next year it budded. But, then all the buds fell off.

I told my aunt about my disappointment with the cactus. She shared the following: “If one of my plants becomes dormant I put it on my suicide bench outside. Most of the time they’ll perk right up. They know that if they die they’ll be thrown into the woods. Sometimes if one of my plants stops growing or blooming  I drop it, on purpose.”

I looked at my poor cactus. I couldn’t put it outside on a suicide bench. It would definitely die in the frigid weather. I didn’t want to drop it and cause a big mess that I would have to clean up. Instead, I bumped the bottom of the pot onto the kitchen counter a few times. It must have jostled the roots because in a few weeks it budded, and then, it bloomed and was gorgeous!

I think I need to repot it, but I’m scared to try. Any tips?