Quote Originally Posted by Randi View Post
The cactus you have we call November cactus here, so it's quite normal it blooms in Nov. Mine does too. I think it blooms again sometime in the spring, too, as far as I remember. It really doesn't need much care.

Concerning the Orchid, you have to be patient. The one you have sounds good and healthy and you'll see a new stalk in a few months time. I bought a cheap little one a few years ago and it just keeps getting more beautiful green leaves and is blossoming at least two times a year. Orchids doesn't like draft and should only be watered once a week - and be careful not to let it sit in blazing sun during summer.
Well from what everyone is saying, I guess my cactus isn't an oddball afterall!

I have the orchid on a plant stand at my front window and it only gets the sun till mid to late morning. It gets "watered" once a week with 3 ice cubes! - these particular plants are called "just add ice orchids". Since they don't like to be wet, the ice melts slowly and the plant doesn't get saturated with a regular watering bath, as such. It's looking good and has put out 3 big new leaves since last summer - now I'm looking for flower stalks. Guess I just need to be patient. I want to get another - they will be in the stores again soon with Mother's Day coming up - that's when I got mine last year.

Thanks for your input.