When you think Easter and flowers; lilies, daffodils, tulips and even daisies come to mind. However the Master Gardeners at Cornell Cooperative Extension think you shouldn't overlook the Easter Cactus.  A hearty plant even Polly would have trouble killing.

Easter Cactus is a plant from the forests of Brazil that actually grows near the top of trees. It survives by collecting moisture and nutrients from the air.  The Master Gardeners tell us that's called an epiphyte plant.

Easter Cactus come in a variety of colors and bloom for about two weeks sometime between March and May.  Talk about hearty and easy maintenance; you water it once a week during the winter months, pests are nearly non-existent and even getting more plants started is a breeze.

Once the plant has finished with blooms, just break off pieces and place them in water. When roots have formed, place it in a pot with drainage holes using well drained soil.  And now you have more Easter Cactus.

Get more information on growing any plants, trees or shrubs with fact sheets at Cornell Cooperative Extension's website or call the Horticulture Hot Line at 315-736-3394 between 9 and noon Wednesday and Fridays.

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