Taking a Break: December 17-30

If you are a regular visitor to Life Among the Leaves, you have probably noticed that my posts have been sporadic lately. I haven't lost interest in plants (that would be the day!) or blogging, but I've been finding it difficult to come up with interesting things to write about. Since I'm the self-conscious type, this lapse of the imagination has come with more than a little anxiety. "Oh my! Oh dear! Oh no! I haven't posted in a week! Must find something--anything-- to write about!" And everyone knows, what the Holiday Season doesn't need is extra anxiety.

So rather than not posting, and wringing my hands over it, I am giving myself permission to take a little break. I want to thank everyone who does read LATL on a regular basis, or even just every now and then. It really means a lot to me.

So I'll be back posting in two weeks. In the meantime here are some photos of what's blooming, or getting ready to bloom, today:

Recently purchased Schlumbergera

Hippeastrum 'Lilian' put up a second bloom stalk. There are six flowers this time!

The new branch on my NoId Phalaenopsis, which I posted about on November 27, is indeed producing flower buds.

And yes, I did put the long suffering Hippeastrum 'Nilona' in a proper pot.

Wishing the joy and happiness of the season to everyone who celebrates a holiday this time of year. Wishing joy and happiness and peace on earth to everyone, no matter what.

See you on the 30th!

Blooming this week

Except for Wednesday, when it was partly sunny and nearly 70 degrees F, it has been a dreary week here among the leaves. So, I went hunting around the house for some cheerful plant life. Here are some pictures of the few things that have been blooming (or, in one case, has been preparing to bloom) during the past few days:

A Schlumbergera 'Thor Alex' bloom nestled in the leaves of a Phalaenopsis orchid. You can see its own foliage to right.

A Pelargonium still blooming on my front porch. I ought to bring it indoors one of these days.

NoId Aloe cultivar blooming in the basement under lights. A bit sparse perhaps, but still nice.

Gymnocalycium mihanovichii (or maybe G. stenopleurum) in bloom

The same cactus with a better view of the plant. I have seen Gymnos of this color grafted, as with the yellow and red varieties, but this one is clearly thriving on its own. It has flowered (usually more than once) all three summers that I've owned it.

Astrophytum asterias. It has two flower buds, but they will probably bolt, as they did last year when I brought the plant in for the winter. I am keeping my fingers crossed, though. It did bloom during the summer.

As usual, all pictures open larger when clicked. I especially recommend looking at the first Gymnocalycium picture, as well as the photo of the Astrophytum, in their larger versions.