14 Comments
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Fran Gardner's avatar

Are you sure that's your Christmas cactus? It’s a succulent, all right, but it doesn’t look anything like my Schlumbergera.

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Sara Stansberry's avatar

Lol - I'm not sure! That's what the tag said when I bought it. 🤪

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Fran Gardner's avatar

I just did some checking. It took me a while to find it, but I think it’s a variety of Rhipsalis. One variety of that genus does look like Christmas cactus, but the one in my terrarium looks like yours, and it is definitely not a Christmas cactus

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Sara Stansberry's avatar

Excellent- mystery solved!

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Ilona Goanos's avatar

I think Miss Gardner the gardener has a point. That’s not a Christmas cactus, but a pencil cactus which may be why it isn’t growing the way you want it. But regardless, you’ve received it’s energetic message 🩵

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April Daniels's avatar

Wonderful analogy Sara, thank you!

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Sara Stansberry's avatar

Thank you!

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Jess Greenwood's avatar

I love a good cactus lesson! 🌵 This perspective reminds me so much of my constant struggle as a parent. My daughter is one that grows up when I am doing everything in my power to will her to grow out. She is shy, hates competition or being publicly praised in any way, and has big feelings that come out whenever and wherever they please. For so long, those things were all I could concentrate on. The "up". But, after her play therapist gently (but quite pointedly 😏) suggested I read "The Rabbit Listened", I'm now doing the work to just show up with her in the same room, letting her grow whichever way she wants. And I'm noticing so much! She's smart, and witty, and can, when things are calm, articulate what those big feelings are about. She's a fast runner and absolutely will compete when its one-on-one. Sometimes, we get so lost in the way we want something to grow that we can't see the way in which its already existing beautifully in the world. I need this reminder, daily, and I think I'm going to start calling it the "cactus check". Seems appropriate! 😂

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Sara Stansberry's avatar

The cactus check - I love it! I love the story about your daughter; I have a similar story as well. Our children really are our greatest teachers, aren't they?

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Jess Greenwood's avatar

Most assuredly! I need a cactus keychain to poke me so I remember to just let her grow. My job is just to water and feed and sun and treasure.

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Sally Dunn's avatar

🤣Thank you. Christmas Cactus certainly got my attention. it’s nice to start the morning with a laugh. Your message so clear.

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Sara Stansberry's avatar

Thanks!

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Lisa Narducci-Nix's avatar

So timely, thank you!

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Sara Stansberry's avatar

❤️

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