Don't over water, do not allow them to dry out...Place them in well draining soil... Blah, blah, blah,...... I purchased a couple two years ago and as usual they still remain a mystery to care for.

In December of 2011 my white cactus bloomed, the pink one did not.

When I moved to a new apartment the following year I placed them at the window with my other sun loving plants as I did in my last apartment..

That December, neither bloomed.......I assumed it was the change and like the other plants... they needed to get acclimated...

I changed their soil and pots over and over again...Some dried them out to quickly like the clay pots...Others like ceramics, would keep them appearing healthy for a while but then they would stop growing.

This year the only thing I've done differently was to change the pots again!. I purchased two cheap little plastic pots from the dollar store and forgot to place holes in the bottom, however, when I watered them... I allowed them to dry out between watering...and did not bother to punch holes in the bottom because they seem fine..

I than decided this month to place them on the balcony where they receive indirect light... And guess what...They began to bud!

I still can't figure this out...What did I do right/wrong? They are blooming in May??

are they not Christmas cactuses?.

Most of the blogs that show vinegar weed killer recipes, show household vinegar with 5% acidity.

This.Will.NOT.Work. I repeat, This.Will.NOT.Work.

You need a vinegar that has AT LEAST 10% acidity PLUS a horticultural citrus oil. There is some controversy within the organic gardening community regarding vinegar strength. Very respected gardeners say that 10% acidity mixed with citrus oil will kill weeds.

For at least 10 years I have been using a 20% vinegar for my weed control. I have not tried 10% vinegar ~ but I trust the gardeners who say it will work. Many of them are diluting their 20% vinegar by cutting it in half and adding water. Doing this will give you two gallons of 10% vinegar.

WARNING: This 10% – 20% vinegar is potent. You need to wear goggles, rubber gloves, long sleeves, and shoes when working with 20% vinegar. It will burn your skin if any splashes. I have experienced this first hand ~ it can be very painful.

While the vinegar alone will work well at getting rid of weeds, it's the orange oil that nails the coffin shut on weeds. However, none of this will kill weeds if it isn't properly applied. That is the real secret to killing weeds and killing them for good.

If you want to kill weeds naturally, then here's what you do:The correct ratio for weed killing is: 1 gallon of 10-20% vinegar to 1 C. of orange (or citrus) oil. Mix well. (see my Warning above) Then, add to either a spray bottle like this one. I highly recommend rubber gloves when applying with this type of bottle ~ it does tend to drip.

This ONLY WORKS when applied at full strength, in sunlight, during the heat of the day.

That means, if it rained yesterday, then don't apply it. If rain is in the forecast within 24 hours, don't apply it.

Wait until the soil is dried out a bit, the sun is bright, and it's the middle of the day. It must be at least 70-degrees for maximum efficacy. The weed will think you are giving it some good food. Down the hatch, little weed.

Keep in mind that this brew does not discriminate. Be careful where you spray. It will kill your flowers and plants just as effectively. Obviously, avoid application on windy days.