Repotting a 200 Year Old Christmas Cactus! 😱🌵😍 // Garden Answer

[@cassieatteberry1609]

I just want to say THANK YOU for doing this. As far as we know this plant is my the original from my great great grandmother, Selma; I have several grown from her cuttings. She's doing great since you've done this. We are so grateful for your willingness to even do this and keep Selma thriving; she's practically a family member!

[@urbannanana5885]

Please share pics of your refreshed family heirloom? Thanks!

[@ky3139]

I would love an update. Is she blooming?

[@PositiveVibesOnly37]

It's so cool it's been around this long. My mom has one that lived about 40-50 years. I just got my first one on December 1st. Nice name by the way.😊 My mom was gonna name me Cassie, but my grandmother talked her into Cassandra, and Cassie as a nick name.😊

[@breanadelacruz6030]

We need a update of her in bloom!

[@claritaduany6955]

We’d love to see a pic. She must be blooming now in December.

[@mzjjonz6269]

I'm a 68 year old woman caring for the Christmas Cactus originally owned by my great grandmother. It looks just like the one you repotted! Enormous in size and woody in places. I'm sure it's a similar age. I'm so grateful for your video as mine has not been repotted in 40 years ( give or take). It goes outside in the Spring and comes in the weekend deer hunting season begins (the first weekend in October). It blooms several times a year and it is a beautiful fuscia color. Thanks again.

[@renateschultz9926]

In einem Gesundheitswesen bei uns, steht ein Weihnachtskaktus, der ist, denke ich, wenigstens 3 x so groß und hat einen riesigen Topf. Ich glaube aber, dass man den nicht mehr umtopfen kann.

[@dazzyh12]

Lol

[@phammond18]

Oh my! I would have been a nervous wreck repotting that “monster.” I was on the edge of my seat hoping you could get it out of the pot without breaking anything off. But of course you did it with such grace! You teach us all so much more than just gardening…..persistence, positivity, and a “can do” attitude are among many! Thank you once again for all you do to shine a bright light on us all and for making this a better world!

[@choctaw5050]

Ditto, Pam… exactly my thoughts.

[@robinblair2641]

Absolutely! My thoughts exactly!

[@joanwalters4741]

Hip hip hooray 😃

[@drszilka1]

Oh me too! I was watching and praying it would go well - would be interesting to know the genealogy whether it was passed from Great great grandmother etc down to each generation with the instruction and caretaking knowledge and responsibility!! What an heirloom!!!

[@susanmitchell2687]

Me too, on edge of my seat, how brave to tackle such an old lady!

[@kturula7017]

I inherited my mom's christmas cactus. It's now about 60 years old. I've had it for 27 years and have never repotted it because I had no clue how to go about it. It has not been repotted for a least 40 years and is showing signs of stress. Thank you for this video.

[@lauragreen4899]

So fantastic! My sister has my grandparents Christmas cactus. It's from the early 1900s. What a treasure that this family has that beautiful plant and that you were able to help them with this project.

[@TexPR1]

I have seen big Christmas cactus before but NEVER that big. That baby is huge and whoever is caring for that plant is doing an awesome job.

[@johnDoughDamoose]

I know this exact Scenario. My grandmother gave me one of her 50+ year old Christmas cactus about 5 years ago. I consider myself lucky; she re-potted hers every few years. Older Christmas cactuses are more common than you think. With proper care they can out last some of the oldest trees! Grandmas rules: Only water from the top if it’s suffering or has just been transplanted. Always water from the bottom. Once a week if outside and once every two-three weeks if in doors. They also like indirect sunlight. Once it starts to form bloom heads cut down on watering. Once it’s done blooming try to let them fall off or be totally wilted before removing. She has never fertilized hers that I know of. If your Christmas cactus starts to grow roots on its branches, that means you aren’t watering often enough. I hope more people realize how wonderfully long lasting these plants can be!

[@GaiaCarney]

Melo Artistic - great advice! I need to revamp everything I’ve been doing for my big Easter cactus! Live & learn

[@bethsaritha4390]

😉Oh! Good tips! Thank you! Beth 🇧🇷

[@jfurlu]

My dad inherited one that is who knows how old, but its got very large thick woody stems and i prune it back and the cuttings can live in water for a very very long as long as you change it once every few days...

[@marybellis9752]

! A

[@ARSENICKMUSIC]

Shout out to grandma!

[@juliej5917]

My gram passed young in 1970, and my mother took her Christmas cactus. I’ve had it now for five years. 🥰🌺

[@jennifercarosella1925]

Same! My grandmother died when I was 3 in 1974. My mom took her Christmas cactus,and she died in 2011 so now I have it. It's massive! And old! I wish I knew how old!

[@GardeningOnTaylorMountain]

You repotted that 200 year old beauty like a boss girl! I love how gentle and respectful you were with the plant yet you confidently did the job. Well done! Very fun to watch 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@exinilda]

Right!! She did an amazing job!! ❤️❤️

[@margarethensley7107]

Shes boring

[@kittenkorleone2918]

My father passed away in 88 and he had a shamrock with tiny white trumpet shaped blooms with orange tubers. He loved that plant and me and my siblings all have pieces and have grown many babies off them over the years. It's amazing to have sentiments towards a plant when it was a favorite of a most loved person that has passed.

[@luannsunsdahl2946]

Shamrock plants were my mom's favorite...lost her 9 years ago...they bring me beautiful memories 🥰

[@mel720]

What a beautiful way to foster and care for your father's memory. Thank you for sharing this lovely anecdote. 🍀❤️🕊

[@browneyes-cj8eg]

I have the mother plant that was my husbands grandmothers. we have had it 51 years and he remembers it in the parlor when he was a kid. I have made 3 more plants from cutting from the mother plant which are also huge. they go outside in the summer and into an unheated bedroom in the winter. just one of those plants you cant get rid of.

[@betha5539]

Oh wow! That is so special. The plant is beautiful.

[@kimhumiston2686]

I would love to see a picture of this Christmas cactus in bloom!

[@GreenSideUp]

These plants are wonderful and this specimen is an assolute stunner. Could I get you to promise to show the plant again when it is in flower, I know its not yours and that might be difficult, but even a photo would be great...Steve...🙂

[@PamIam04]

I was thinking the same. I'd love to see it in full bloom!

[@gracel7132]

The customer is so lucky to have you two tend to this difficult job! Your respect to the plant is what stood out to me. Well done and I really enjoy your videos!

[@pambonesteel3775]

I repotted an older Christmas cactus a couple of years ago that my Grandmother gifted me when I was 16. I am 63 now. She had it for many years before me, so I don’t actually know how old it is. I was a nervous wreck, but after watching an older video that you posted about their care, I attempted it, and it was a success. I cried when a few of the older woody branches broke off, but I hardened them off and repotted them back in with the original plant, and it’s been doing well. I used Espoma cactus soil and use their cactus fertilizer, too. It hasn’t bloomed since repotting, but it didn’t bloom from the time I got it until I was 31, so there’s hope! Thank you for giving us the gumption to try things that scare us initially.

[@michaelacker2069]

Christmas Cacti need nighttime temperatures of 40 to 60° F for 5 to 7 weeks to induce budding.

[@triciac1019]

@@michaelacker2069 wow, how is a house supposed to get that temperature? Put it out in the garage at night maybe.

[@michaelacker2069]

Tricia C. I Personally put mine outside in late May after Danger of Frost has past & Bring them inside when Nighttime Temperatures are going to fall below 40°F. Some people put their Christmas & Thanksgiving Cacti in an Unused room and Turn down the Heat in that room or Close the Heat Vent. A garage will work as long as it doesn't drop below 40°F. Schlumbergera buckleyi & truncata Hybrids. Must have the 5 to 7 weeks of a 15 to 20°F drop from Day Time High Temperatures to Nighttime Low Temperatures to induce budding.

[@frankiefurbag9030]

I always thought they needed to be pot bound to bloom. Maybe a couple of years.

[@pippas5808]

Sometimes older plants stop blooming - you might have more success with your cuttings. Also, you need a temperature drop. I'm in the UK, and over here, we put ours outside in the summer and bring them inside in the autumn when the new buds start forming. You'd have to check temperatures where you live to work out the best way of giving them that drop.

[@amber_bloom]

I love having my morning coffee with "the garden lady" (as my kids call you). Your knowledge has rubbed off on my soon-to-be second grader. We homeschool and a lot of her science right now is about plants. Because I watch your videos, and have since started a garden, she's flying through the plant category of her schooling. It's almost too easy as she quickly labels parts of a seedling and light requirements 😆 You've been a big help in her education and mine. Thank you for all that you do.

[@marianneleth4957]

Love to hear that... Just goes to show, how important it is to have positive mentors in your life, starting from very early on!!

[@cstarv]

mine is 70 plus years, original root ball and some clippings for smaller plants. It's hard to repot but I put some of that landscaping screening and lay it in the pot. That way I can just lift up the edges of the fabric to repot to larger pot

[@ChrisieCouncil]

What a great idea!

[@heathertroynak9041]

Oh, that’s such a great idea! Do the roots grow through the screen and become, pardon me, enmeshed?

[@cstarv]

no that hasn't happened. its the only way I repot now

[@carolyncampbell6149]

What a great idea, Thankyou for sharing that!

[@katiekegley764]

Precarious project, live 200 year old family heirloom, Laura breaks out the folding chair 😂 I could instantly hear every adult from my childhood, “Do not stand on that folding chair!” Laura got it done in expert fashion. Such a fun video. I actually have 3 holiday cactus from a plant lot my husband bought me from an estate sale. Not nearly this big or lush but definitely old with thick, woody stems. I’ve kept them a year and half and considered passing them onto someone else but this video gives me renewed energy for them. As always, many thanks, Laura.

[@lesleystolp1145]

I thought the exact same thing 😅

[@mircatmojo1620]

Rambo wielding the garden knife is absolutely my new favorite graphic. Bravo to either Ken or Aaron, whoever came up with that! Made my day! I have some poison ivy to tackle this week, and I'm already plotting to send the photo to my husband when I'm heading out for battle.

[@FloraM44]

Where did you see that graphic?

[@mircatmojo1620]

@@FloraM44 they flash it on the screen very briefly right around 3 min 18 seconds.

[@FloraM44]

@@mircatmojo1620 thank you!!!! I tried to go back and skipped around but would have had to rewatch the entire thing lol

[@iartistdotme]

Didn't expect a re-potting video to be such a nail-biter! Awesome job!

[@spych102]

Such a different and fun project today! The knife is a Japanese style hori-hori. Very useful for root pruning.

[@docmarmalade5224]

A hori-hori is a must have garden tool for me.

[@trudycaffall1402]

They are a must in the garden.

[@aleciahenderson5450]

I’ve never seen a Christmas Cactus this large! Wow! What this must look like in bloom!!

[@juliec5309]

That's what first came to mind as well

[@katseeger1989]

My mom has one that was handed down to her that’s this size. It’s never been repotted so saving this for later 😍

[@magicalhealerclairvoyant521]

Kat Seeger same here, well over 200 yrs. 👍🏻

[@dianaballew6329]

Well, the owner of this fabulous plant surely called the right person for the repotting job! I'm really impressed with your expertise!

[@fannym-n6423]

She is the best! The right person .👍🏻

[@13dulcie]

Wow! I thought my Christmas cactus was old. It was my grandma's plant. It is over 100 yrs old. It fell off the table it's on about 2 years ago. I never cried so hard. It bounced back and looks fabulous now. I love it so much. 💗

[@TheKonga88]

I saw a queen ant eating some cheese and crackers 🐜

[@malwads1836]

Goodness!😅Thankfully these plants are more scrappy than they 👀.

[@fannym-n6423]

I would love to see it blooming .😀🙏🏻

[@robinbrowne4560]

I just cant get over how this plant was thriving without being re-potted for so long. I just repotted one that I inherited from my mom that was only a fraction of this size and I was really nervous. Good work and very interesting!

[@kathierogers3208]

I can hear that plant go “Awww that feels so good!” when you started to cut the root bulb, “I can finally stretch my feet!” You have done such a great job. You did such a great job.

[@catherine3058]

Wow! My grandma always had large Christmas cacti in her breezeway when I was growing up. She passed many years ago but this plant always reminds me of her. Thanks for bringing us along 🥰

[@carried9130]

I have a Christmas Cactus my mom is taking care of for me as I moved to Scotland and agriculture laws prohibit taking a plant or cutting. It took me 14 years to find that plant!! My great-grandma had an old c.c. way before I was born; after she passed my grandma had it til I was almost 30 and it just seemed to die at that point. It had several colors- I'd never seen one like it before or since. Yellow was among the colors and I searched for 14 years to find one with yellow blooms! My grandma gave me a few cuttings over the years but they didn't take. 😪 I was very sad- I remember as a small child being dazzled by the blooms every winter so I was determined to find one for myself when the cuttings didn t make it. Finally got one and my mom thankfully is keeping it for me until I return home. The blooms are such a lovely, delicate color and as much as I love it for its own beauty, it does remind me of that time from childhood too, staring at the pretty flowers and watching my great-grandma crochet.

[@jodycourt]

My friend has a Christmas Cactus this big or larger, and it was one her mother (88 years old) has always had. Loved watching you take such care in repotting it. I'm going to remember this for my friend's Mr. Big!

[@Jdadkins6198]

Good job! Wow what an interesting project. That’s wild 200 years old. I had a desert rose break a terra cotta pot growing so fast it busted the pot. Hopefully, our ponytail palm tree that was my dads will come out of his pot. It’s over 15 years old and huge. Thankfully, it’s been repotted throughout the years cuz it’s 6’ tall. It was his first plant he bought when they moved to the Sedona desert to retire and become a master gardener. I love how plants can be passed down generations. Gives them such sentimental value living on.

[@sabrinacopas1636]

What an incredible plant, the old soul in me kept thinking about how much history is connected to it and the life it has witnessed throughout the generations of that family. If walls could talk, but in this case if plants could or roots. 😁

[@malwads1836]

Exactly...It's important to keep these old living pieces of history alive.I once 👀 a article about a Christmas cactus that was very old & apparently the 🚺's 4x great grandmother had originally brought it along with her in a covered wagon across the states to where the family settled🤯.They tell a story of both family history & even general history.

[@amyparker1762]

I was given my grandma’s Hoya when she past away 25 years ago. I’ve never repotted it. It is so healthy and still blooms every year. I’ve given starts to family members over the years for them to have a piece of this legendary plant. My grandma had this plant well before I was born 53 years ago. My mom says the plant is somewhere between 60 and 70yrs old!! Crazy!!! Thanks for sharing how you did this!! What an amazing plant.

[@sydneykasmar]

Hoya love to be pot bound and without that these plants tend to not bloom.

[@karenribby5920]

I also have two Hoya plants that were my Mom’s for many years and I brought them to my house when she passed in 2005. I have no idea how old they are, but they still bloom every year and I have never repotted them.

[@mariacaleb8995]

​@@karenribby5920

[@hazelwalker6570]

Who can verify that this cactus is 200 years old? I’m not buying it for a minute. Nice try

[@waltyoung3853]

@@hazelwalker6570 Please note that she commented that she wasn't sure whether it was one plant growing that long or possibly a succession of off starts of the original plant through the years. She doesn't impress me as someone who would make a statement as a fact about a plant that she wasn't totally sure was a true statement, and of course, there wasn't anyone watching it for 200 years taking pictures or making drawings to document it's 200 year history. Nice try on your part indeed. She wasn't selling a story either. Now just in case you were being playful and that you respect her as much as the rest of us do, then please take my comment as a playful retort.

[@ShadiyahOfMaryland]

What a magnificent Christmas cactus! The owners have cared for it well and you respected it with tender loving care as you do all your plants. One of my Christmas cactus is about 50 years old and I treasure it. Thank you for having such a fantastic channel. I love all you videos and knowledge.

[@MsCharlie2007]

Also, could we go ahead and calendar an update for this guy? I wanna see how he does 6-12 months out! 👍

[@adoeandfawn]

Same!

[@ellenmcintyre1247]

I'd like to know what color it blooms!

[@starz965ss]

DITTO! would love to see the progress on this beautiful specimen and testament of care!

[@dannac_8888]

Interesting FACT : Laura in a Q&A once was asked about having her own Christmas cactus - - she said she didn't care to own one... Mine is only 30 yrs old, it's magnificent in pink blooms in October. Older branches break off, it's normal, that's how it spreads. Easiest gift to break off a few branches pop it in a beautiful new pot and they bloom in the first year for your friend or loved one. Two of my friends' dogs passed away and I painted custom pots with their names on them. When they bloom every year it reminds them fondly of their fur baby. 🙏🌞

[@joshuafranklin2800]

That’s what I call a unit !!! That one of the biggest Christmas cactus plants I have ever seen!

[@lynfl9814]

We have an Easter cactus. It was a small plant my husband gave his mother when he was in kindergarten. He is 64; so, this one is close to 60 years old. He got the plant back when his Mom moved about 40 years ago. It was repotted about 30 years ago and it does show signs of stress. This video motivated me and will help get repotting done our plant. This plant gets brilliant pink double blooms. This video was so needed. You, with Erin assisting, did an outstanding job.

[@malwads1836]

It's so nice to hear about a older Easter cactus,they tend to not get as much attention as the Thanksgiving & Christmas varieties.Last summer I finally got a cute little Easter cactus to add to my holiday cacti collection & I hope it'll live for many many years🙂.I really do enjoy all of the holiday cacti,they're long-lived & such lovely plants...They also make wonderful heirlooms to pass along & share.

[@thehoovertribe]

I’m in Australia (Southern Hemisphere) so my Christmas cactus is all budded up about to bloom right now! We’ve had a late winter in the tropics this year - I usually get blooms in June but I’m so ready for these July blooms any day now!

[@evawithin2514]

Excusez moi vs avez mis koi comme terre ?

[@veritorossi]

I live in Argentina que my bloomed 2 weeks ago in the middle of winter and I have it outside. It's crazy. 5º/7ºC and it was blooming. Now it's 18ºC and it's not blooming anymore.

[@evawithin2514]

@@veritorossi c'est une plante d'hiver pas une plante d'été, normal kelle fleurit pas, et c'est une plante qui aime le froid

[@l34h87]

@@evawithin2514 yes but over here we’re in the middle of winter so they are currently blooming.

[@emeraldtownpaula7570]

I am so excited to see you repot this Christmas cactus! I have one that is about the same size that belonged to my grandmother. It is now 98 years old! I repotted it about 15 years ago and have been putting off doing it again it was such a project! Watching this video gave me a few helpful tips and the courage to do it again! It has not bloomed the last four years so I’m guessing it’s getting a bit stressed and root bound. Thank you for this video and wish me luck!☺️

[@malwads1836]

I was amazed at what a difference repotting into larger pots made for my holiday cacti collection...My 2 largest Thanksgiving cacti even bloomed more than ever before just a few months later in the fall😊.

[@katemoore3787]

How stressful it is, working on someone else's sentiment plant! I saw the look of relief on your face when you repotted it without incident. Great job!

[@niceapples00]

200 years, INCREDIBLE!!😯 It looks so beautful!!❤🎄

[@DarrinsDaffs]

My favorite re-potting tip is: If you use dryer sheets for your laundry, save the used dryer sheets, not the new coated ones. Depending on the number of holes or size of holes in your pots, place one or two whole sheets or pieces of sheets over the drain holes. The roots will grow through them, the water will drain and the potting medium will stay in the pot. Dryer sheets do not disintegrate. You’ll be able to use them indefinitely. One less thing in the landfill.

[@LookNook2020]

I use coffee filters

[@DarrinsDaffs]

@@LookNook2020, the disadvantage of coffee filters is that they will disintegrate.. dryer sheets don't. if you repot annually, use coffee filters. If you repot less frequently, try used dryer sheets.😃

[@LookNook2020]

@@DarrinsDaffs I don’t buy dryer sheets. Never had any problems with coffee filters-they take long time to disintegrate especially if I put couple of layers. By then the bottom soil is compacted just enough to stay put. 💟☮️☯️

[@DarrinsDaffs]

@@LookNook2020, thanks for the info!

[@rutheparker9006]

After my mom died my dad gave each of us kids a cutting from her 150 yr old cactus. The first year mine had 6 blooms: one for each of us kids. I always felt like it was a sign from mom. ❤❤❤

[@snowballjennjenn2825]

Wow, that’s the biggest Christmas cactus I have ever seen! They have taken such good care of it! You were brave to handle this one.

[@libelle8124]

Wow.. I was amazed to see how calcified the root ball was. It almost looked like a layer from the pot. Totally agree with you about repotting. I usually wait until I see signs of stress and when that happens there is hardly any soil left. Then I soak them over night and put them into their new 'shoe' for the next few years. Christmas and Easter Cacti are extremely forgiving and I always find they benefit from a really soak. After all.. they are more a succulent than a true cactus.

[@gaylestegall7239]

It’s amazing how huge and beautiful that plant is considering how small the pot was and rootbound the plant was. The final result is beautiful. Great job, Laura.

[@latitude1904]

They like to be rootbound

[@marlettamcclain1950]

That plant is beautiful and you’re the ONLY one I would trust to report it. Thank you for sharing the process.

[@allygilmour6182]

This is the easiest cactus to grow. Why would this be the only person you trust to repot it? Its easy to do a 5 year old could do it.

[@heatherderganc5984]

I’d love to see where the homeowner keeps this plant. It needs a lot of space! Great job Laura!

[@kimberlypotts8922]

And when you announce, “I think we need to get the hammer,” the viewers cheered. lol. This was very satisfying to watch and you did such a great job.

[@carriefrost3552]

Was watering my Christmas cactus yesterday, which originally came from my Grandmother many moons ago and was thinking that it needed to be repotted as the soil is really, really dry looking - but thinking 🤔 how am I going to do this knowing how fragile the foliage can be…then, as I sat down with my coffee this morning to see what Laura was up to today, your video gave me the answer! Here we go! Thank you!

[@cherylthomas4804]

I'm in the same situation. I had no idea what to do with mine. I'm feeling more confident after watching this video. And, who knew there was actual cactus soil??? 😲

[@candettecorman5971]

My mom has one that is over 25 yrs but we keep repoting every 2 years. It has not flowered for 3 years. I am going to get fertilizer for it Mom uses Plant fertilizer but going to use cactus fertilizer It seemed that this was a special video just for her. Mom is 89 she gets a big smile on her face when I say Laura has a new video today. She sends loves and hugs the the whole family. Also your cats.

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

Good morning, Laura, from Windermere, Florida zone 9b USA 🇺🇸 I have a very large Thanksgiving Cactus for about 20 years. I have had it in different pots and about 10 years ago I joined 3 plants into 1 large clay pot. I found the BEST watering is to use 2 waterballs that I add a few drops of Cactus food into the waterballs. It blooms from November and December and lives outside and withstands our Florida heats of almost 100°! And I do cover it if we are expecting a freeze. Happy Gardening Everyone 👩‍🌾👍

[@andreabenson2491]

Wow that root ball surround looked like cardboard! You did an excellent job like a plant doctor! I'm sure the owner will be so happy that that job is done!👏👍

[@jayesbeautifulchaos2244]

I thought it was crazy when my mom told me her Christmas cactus was over 150yrs old! It came from my great gramma! This is so awesome!

[@dianebateman6808]

Oh wow, what a ginormous plant! Great job repotting that Laura, you hardly broke anything off of it. Such a gorgeous plant. Thank you for sharing.

[@callikohl5698]

I am glad to be in on this one. How exciting, like buried treasure. It is a beautiful cactus. My family has passed down my grammas iris. I am now 70 so it's been going for a while. My daughter will get some soon.

[@lynnschantz9185]

I have a hosta and 3 different types o

[@lynnschantz9185]

Ok I can finish I have to get rid of the every 10 minute commercial. 3 sedums and Rosie companion from my grandmas garden and she passed in 1973 when my daughter was 3 months old. My family has been passing these flowers down for years.

[@traciannveno]

Be cool to see the customers reaction. I bet they were thrilled. So trustworthy Erin and Laura. This was great! No fear haha Makes me want to get one xoxo

[@staceytaylor1502]

Great video! I just lost mine of 17 years trying to repot it, so I definitely learned that mine probably was not so healthy. I did save a couple of cuttings and will try again. This really helped me see the structure so I can hopefully be successful this time! Thank you!

[@tisalaska]

Laura just love how you are always so willing to take us all along on your own learning by trial and error journeys! I have learned so much from you about managing my own expectations with more grace.

[@tonipalmieri2978]

The timing of this video is uncanny, I am just preparing to do this to my plant I received when my mother passed 22 years ago. I've been so afraid to loose it and like this one it shows no signs of stress. I am far less stressed now Laura just WOW! Thank you for all you bring us along for even when you're learning with us.

[@patriciaeasterday2125]

Wow! Beautiful job repotting! I learned a lot today. Thank you! My cactus is from before 1886. A start from the old plant of my husband's great, great grandmother!

[@amoijoy573]

Laura, please show us all the plants in your studio & in your house. I’d like to see how they have grown & how you care for them. Thank you. I love all you do.

[@Myerz19]

Wow!! Fabulous! Thank for all the little tid-bits throughout the video. I am about to repot my own 20 year old Thanksgiving cactus right now. Wish me luck!🙏🪴🫶

[@mariafolch8067]

Girl, you got guts to take on that task and share it as you were going through the process of transplanting!! Thank you Ben for that shot of Sylvester Stallone at 3:18. It provoked a good laugh!! Whille I was cringing at 16:38 when Laura was finally putting the plant inside the new pot. As she is celebrating that she did not break a branch, I was closely looking at the ones facing the camera and coaching her to watch that some of the branches would not get folded inwards and get stuck on the rim. That was painful to watch. Good job !! 🌵🌵

[@courtneylynn4016]

I just received a 150 uear old Christmas cactus from my grandmother! This video is seriously perfect timing!! Mine has been in the same pot for about 25 years

[@kathleenhaskett7438]

That is one huge Christmas cactus. A majestic beauty.

[@sandyg8794]

Hi Laura and Aaron! That is a really beautiful Christmas Cactus! I've never seen one that big. Aaron, I don't blame you for deciding not to be the one to break the pot. You did a great job on repotting it, Laura. As others have said, I hope you'll be able to give an update on how it is doing after the repot and asking the client for a picture of it in bloom. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@wynorawishum5860]

Such a classic houseplant. The person taking care of it is doing good. It was so sweet of you to repot it for them.

[@LaPrincessa1947]

When I read this video's title, I got myself a glass of milk and choc. chip cookies, settled into my chair and watched "the show." Wow! Good strategy: hammer to clay pot! I admire how you assessed this project, didn't rush it, reassessed, and kept going, gently and DA DAH! Success! Maybe owner will allow you to take a picture/video 3 or 6 months from now so we can see how it is flourishing. I was given a Ficus Benjamina (variegated) when my father passed in 2012 and it was struggling. I repotted it early this summer into a larger clay pot, new soil, cut off straggling branches and today it is flourishing!!! I'm already thinking ahead and will choose a beautiful ceramic container for it's next home! I learn so much watching/listening to your videos! I look forward to many more years watching Garden Answer with Laura, Aaron, Benjamin and Samantha!

[@lisabriscolino3417]

Wow!!! That was Amazing! Laura your a Rock Star 🤩 I’ve never seen a plant where you had to break the pot!!! Great job! I was holding my breath through most of it!

[@seasonswithanthony5509]

Wow, I have never seen one anywhere close to this big!

[@juliehudson7032]

This was very interesting! I have a potted Hostess that had belonged to a friend and when she moved she gave it to another friend and now that friend has moved to Texas so I have the plant. The soil is so hard I can't poke it with anything and it is jam-packed full in a large container meaning about 14 in from side to side. It's in a beautiful blue ceramic pot and I doubt very much that the multiple plants would come out without breaking the pot. If I try to repot all of it would I take the individual stocks apart and put each one in a separate pot or leave everything intact? It is already so very heavy I might think about using a plant stand so I wouldn't have to lean over to pick it up. I'm very new at all of this and in fact have plants on my back patio for the first time in my life and I am 79 years old. It's all because of you Laura and the way you are so encouraging and positive. I thank you for that. I also now have two house plants the kind that like to be ignored and so far they're doing okay of course I have only had them a few months so we shall see what happens.😊 Thank you for letting me "be part of your family ." Aaron I really appreciate your love for trees, arborvitae and grass and I so very much enjoy watching all of the big projects with equipment large and small. I'm impressed with the way you plan where electrical and water need to go. What a team.... also all the wonderful helpers you have outside and of course I know you have helpers inside as well taking special care of your two wonderful children while you are working at your jobs. Thank you from the western side of Oregon.

[@annehedlund7333]

We older gardeners are thriving with Laura's good instincts. Hurrah for experience and patience!

[@ellenschworn1436]

What a wonderful video, enjoyed it immensely. I read all the wonderful stories below from your viewers about their own gifted family christmas cacti. You were the exact person God chose to respectfully repot and tenderly protect your extraordinary christmas cactus challenge. Very touching and encouraging. Thank you.

[@sandyk8321]

Oh my, what a big undertaking. Such a beautiful plant! I would LOVE to see a follow up video or picture when this beauty blooms at Christmas time this winter.

[@jillhumphrys9349]

I bought a Christmas cactus 2 yrs ago and last year, i put it in the dark for 6 weeks. Had a fantastic bloom time! Never forced a plant to bloom before. Id love to see this beauty in full bloom!

[@mfabian-gomez6043]

You were so meticulous and gentle with that plant. I might have destroyed it in the process. Love your “Rambo” knife - you provide comic relief too. 😃Good job Laura, another happy client!

[@sheiklablount5862]

What a beautiful plant? I have never seen one so big. You did an excellent job. You and Aaron are such a blessing. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@vickiecheek5096]

Laura, you did an amazing job repotting this cactus! I am really moved about your concern for the person who owns this cactus and for their plant. Your kindness for others is beautiful and it shows in all you do. Being kind and considerent is the way we all should be. Thank you for sharing this video...I loved it. 😊❤😊

[@Christmascactus88]

After watching the video about Christmas cactus, I feel extremely delighted and touched by the beauty of this plant. The video has helped me gain new knowledge about how to care for and decorate Christmas cactus during the holiday season. The images and information presented in the video demonstrate the delicacy and diligence in taking care of the Christmas cactus. From watering, pruning, to fertilizing, everything is done with love and meticulous care. I am also impressed with the way the Christmas cactus was decorated in the video. The LED lights and decorative accessories used created a warm and colorful festive atmosphere. The Christmas cactus is not only a decorative plant, but also a creative and impressive work of art. I am very grateful for the opportunity to watch this video and learn new knowledge about Christmas cactus. I hope to apply this knowledge to better care for my own plant and decorate a beautiful Christmas cactus in the upcoming holiday season.

[@btucker1739]

Laura, our favorite garden content creator turned plant surgeon!! You did great! Thanks for bringing us along

[@jillkeim3587]

BRAVO Laura!!!! I almost broke a sweat just watching!!!! The plant should be happy for the next few years.

[@kaylah3889]

Wow, great job repotting that! I have been trying to work on planting a steep hill in my yard and after seeing that root ball I really understand how plants can help prevent erosion 😳😂 It’s amazing how strong plants are!

[@cattastroficka196]

I have an angel wing begonia that my mother gave me a sprig of over 25 years ago. She passed in 2005 so it’s quite special to me. I’ve spread the love by growing more sprigs off of it and giving them to friends and coworkers. My mom’s plant is growing all over the city. She’d be so happy to know that.

[@lucpar23]

Great video. I loved the change up. Its been a hot minute since I repotted my Christmas cactus. I am of the same philosophy, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" but I am hardly an expert on house plants. Thanks for sharing this with us and let me say, you are brave to tackle someone else's 200 year old baby. I'd be so stressed out. 😱

[@larab5214]

Instead of throwing away the broken pot, use the pieces to help cover the hole of the new pot. That's how we did it in the greenhouse years ago!

[@monikaheron3851]

I think she knows this?

[@larab5214]

@@monikaheron3851 if only there was a way to tell other people this in case they don't....

[@RaeC]

What a beautiful plant. You looked so relieved when you finally got that big boy in the pot. Hope your mom is feeling better I’m keeping her and your family in my prayers. Enjoy the day.

[@birdy-numnum6321]

When I re-potted my old easter cactus, it did not bloom again for 3 years..... I later learned that cactus roots like to be tight in the pot, so when the soil is spent, you would shake as much off of the roots and put it back in THE SAME pot with fresh soil, this should avoid loss of blooming season. (I know this method would not be possible in this case of such a beast of a root ball! ) What a sterling job you did Laura,... respect to you! 😉

[@marinbandel2574]

Good morning Laura and Aaron! My Mother loved a Christmas cactus and we had one in our home growing up most years. I have never seen one with wooden like branches like this one. Amazing! LOVE Aaron's childlike enthusiasm for breaking up that pot!🤣🤣 Hugs from N.C..❤️

[@antoinettehiggins4527]

This spring I split my 25+year old Thanksgiving cactus into three separate pots, making many cuttings. I hope they all "take" and root well. I was encouraged when you said that it may be set back the first year, so I will not panic! Great, great video Laura, thanks! 🪴🏵

[@claudiasmith9117]

Your original Christmas Catus video was the first video I had watched way back when... I subscribed at that moment. The second video was your opening of baby gifts for Benjamin. There was a subscriber from Winnipeg (Manitoba Canada) who had sent a gift and it was at that moment I became a Member. ❤ This moment feels full circle for me.

[@pjfountaine7755]

What a beautiful plant! Whether the propagation of an heirloom 200 yr old legacy plant, or if the actual age of this particular plant, what a lovely plant! Thanks for sharing

[@maureengraber672]

I always use coffee filters in the bottoms of my pots. I can see where fabric might last longer although I have never had a coffee filter give out. Amazing Christmas cactus.

[@camriethompson2880]

I feel like I just watched you perform surgery. The commentary was totally something I would expect in a surgical room.

[@francineh.7825]

I stress about repotting the 50 year cactus I got from my grandmother never mind repotting someone else's plant really old plant!! Awesome job!

[@byrn]

Have a 50 year old grandmother plant like this. Standard potting soil with a little extra perlite does well. I use a wide rope and make several loops around the biggest woody branches, hang it and gently work pot off from below. They tend to like being a bit root bound, repotting to a larger container is going to make this old girl go berserk with new shoots!

[@joshuafranklin2800]

The roots are like another thought pot itself, the soil in that pot is like none existing because it’s broken down and turned in to cement with he roots !!! Crazy video 😍😍😍😍

[@shirleymurphy1958]

Oh that was just like mine and it was in an old 10 gal. Crock from the 1940s . I re potted and split it too share with family member. I cut thru the middle and run the long knife around the edge it came right out when I tipped it on its side and pulled one side out at a time .I saved the crock.

[@GardeningGratitude]

The hori hori gardening knife is my FAVORITE gardening tool. When you created your garden tool essentials video I was shocked that a hori hori knife wasn’t included. I use it for weeding, digging holes for planting, use the serrated end to saw woodland roots that are in the way of my planting holes, measuring between planting holes, etc etc etc. If the apocalypse hits, I’m grabbing my hori hori knife along with my other essentials.

[@marcygriffo9904]

I have one but it scares me a bit. Its just SO sharp!

[@maryschlotter108]

Botanical surgical procedure! That was amazing. You did an incredible job. I would love to see it in bloom. What an amazing history. My sister has one that she was given to her when she had her son 45 years ago it’s still beautiful .