by Luka, age 9, asks if a cactus cutting grows in water, about the Dinaric Alps, and Montenegro’s coast
Dear Santa,
Zdravo from Podgorica. My name is Luka and I am 9 years old. My mum snapped a small piece off our Christmas cactus by accident while moving it, and instead of throwing it away, she just plopped it into a glass of water on the windowsill to see what would happen.
My first question is: will a Christmas cactus actually grow in water?
My second question is geography: what mountains surround Podgorica?
My third question is from school: why is Montenegro’s coastline so popular with visitors?
I left you priganice, small fried dough balls with honey, and a small cup of tea.
Love, Luka, age 9, Podgorica, Montenegro
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Luka, priganice with honey were a sweet, delightful stop, thank you very much. Now, to your mum’s little windowsill experiment, and your other questions.
Will a Christmas cactus grow in water?
Your mum’s instinct was a good one. A snipped piece of Christmas cactus, called a cutting, can indeed grow roots sitting in a glass of water for a few weeks, which is actually a common way people propagate new plants from an existing one. However, once those roots appear, the little cutting generally does much better if it is then moved into well-draining potting soil for long-term growth, since sitting in water permanently is not ideal for its roots over time. So water is a wonderful starting point, but soil should be its true home.
What mountains surround Podgorica?
Podgorica sits in a valley surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, rugged limestone mountains that stretch along much of Montenegro, giving the small country a dramatic, mountainous landscape.
Why is Montenegro’s coastline so popular?
Montenegro’s Adriatic coastline features dramatic cliffs, hidden bays, and the beautiful old town of Kotor, tucked inside a fjord-like bay surrounded by mountains. That striking combination of sea and mountain scenery, packed into a small country, has made it an increasingly popular destination for visitors.
Watch that cutting closely, and move it to soil once it roots, and I shall see you very soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
