u/JBBecker

This is my first post in the sub and fully aware this may be a divisive one.

I received a small piece of Christmas cactus from my neighbor in 2024 (last picture) and it pushed out one bloom that Thanksgiving. It was very slow growing to begin with, until I broke up the single leggy piece, rooted them in water, then potted into a self-watering pot (pictured).

Based on everything I've read, a self-watering pot is not "ideal" for a Holiday Cactus. But, I had an extra one I had from my violet collection and was the right size (4" circumference) so I went for it.

To say it has been a success would be an understatement. The plant is currently pushing out a new segment every 1-2 weeks, has beautiful corking at the base, and is filling out rapidly.

I fill the reservoir once a week with a distilled water and liquid fertilizer during the growing season (April through September), and keep it next to a SE facing window. I haven't pruned it since potting in the self-watering pot, but I will after it flowers this year.

If anyone is struggling with their Holiday Cactus, I would encourage you to try a small, self-watering container. I know this goes against most advice (to keep the soil dry-ish), but this just hasn't been my experience.

Has anyone else out there had success with their Holiday Cacti in self-watering pots? Would love to hear your story!

I recently purchased a lava lamp for one of my plant displays and am happy to report these run much cooler than they did in the 90s. It emits very little heat and integrated nicely. I had to filter the liquid to get it crystal clear, but I’m really happy how it turned out.

The lava is black IRL but leans aubergine (very aubergine in photographs) — looks stunning alongside my waffle plant, purple passion and oxalis (not pictured).

Shout out to this sub for all of the inspiration, wisdom and encouragement.

After lurking for months, I finally took the plunge and ordered the 16.3” metallic gold lamp with black lava (though it photographs more aubergine) from Spencer’s. I had it shipped directly to my home and it is an absolute vibe!

As others have shared, it arrived really cloudy (before and after photos included). I followed the enclosed manufacturer instructions, but it was never going to be as crystal clear as I wanted it to be.

Here is the tutorial I followed for filtering (s/o to the fellow redditor who shared this is a previous post).

Here are the tools I used:
- mini sawyer filter
- empty soda bottle
- empty distilled water gallon jug
- distilled water
- flat head screwdriver
- .75”-1.75” hose clamp
- paper towel / soft cloth

I would say I am moderately handy and found the process to be easier than expected. If you’ve been thinking about filtering, do it! You won’t regret it.

Similarly, if you haven’t had a lava lamp since childhood and have been wanting to get one, do it! You won’t regret that either.

I am always proud to tell my friends and family how accessible Chicago is for people with disabilities — until it’s not.

A friend of mine is in town this weekend and wanted to do some solo exploring/birding around the Montrose Bird Sanctuary today. Unfortunately, there is a substantial, unleveled section that makes the lakefront path completely inaccessible for wheelchair users just south of the pier.

Who is responsible for these kind of infrastructure improvements? Who can we contact to get it fixed? (Fully aware these might not be the same answer.)

Does anyone know how long it’s been like this? Looking for some answers/help.

Update (5 p.m. CST) — Thanks everyone for your help! I submitted a request with Chicago 311 and completed the MOPD form. Major thanks to u/wise-application-435 for sharing this resource — I had no idea the Mayors Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) was a thing. So cool!

Recently joined the sub and couldn’t wait to share.

These photos were taken in 2018 on a visit to my parent’s house (they were cleaning out the basement). Apologies for the crude stills I took from a IG Stories download.

Working on getting the entirety of my collection shipped to me for better photography/preservation.

Shout out to my mom for organizing these before tucking them away. She taught me to take such good care of my things, 30 years later and not a single piece is missing or broken.

Mr. Shy Guy was taken to the vet today. There is a price to be paid — and I don’t mean the vet bill.

I was served an ad last night for these Gilmore Girls melamine appetizer plates at Hallmark and had no idea they had such a beautiful collection of branded merchandise! I’m not sure when these products were launched or how old they are, but they’re being marketed for Mother’s Day. I’m pretty minimalist and anti-consumption these days, but I couldn’t resist! I ended up getting by the drinking glasses, plates and the puzzles.

https://www.hallmark.com/gilmore-girls/