What looks like a butterfly, but is really a plant?

In winter, many of our plants are sleeping — except the Christmas cactus, with its profusion of butterfly-like flowers. Native to mountainous tropical rainforests, it must not be treated like an ordinary cactus. Christmas cactus likes cool weather, indirect light and a regular watering regimen.

Because it doesn't need direct sunlight, it makes a great indoor plant. It can even adapt to low light conditions but you will get more blooms if you put it in a brighter area. Direct sunlight may cause leaf burn, so keep it indirect.

With colors such as fuchsia, metallic rose, purple, apricot, white, gold, or red, the Christmas cactus will give you beautiful butterfly flowers indoors — especially in winter.

By Tamara Galbraith

We all know somebody with the notorious Black Thumb. These poor souls can't grow stuff to save their (or their plant's) lives, but gosh, they try. And they love plants. So what do you give such a person as a holiday gift?

How about Zamioculcas zamiifolia, a.k.a. the ZZ Plant? This jade-like houseplant hardly needs any water and doesn't require much light, making it perfect for the low-lit home or office cubicle environment.

Of course, folks afflicted with Black Thumb usually find a way to kill stuff, and overwatering a ZZ will do just that. The plant's large tuber serves as sort of an underground camel hump in that it stores water for dry times. The ZZ's thick rubbery leaves and stems store water as well, so watering every three weeks is sufficient. Fertilize only occasionally (maybe every two months) with fish emulsion.

Other than the threat of overwatering, ZZ's are pretty much foolproof, which is a big reason why the species was awarded Foliage Plant of the Year in 2002. Stick a bow on one, give it to your favorite Black Thumb, and hope for the best.