spikey green foliage, tiny pink flowers

This flower came in a planter and someone wants to know if it can be transplanted outside. It almost looks like a Christmas cactus leaf. The flowers have 4 petals and a yellowish center. We live in northeastern Wisconsin.


Drought Smart Plants reply:

Hi Sandy, very cute plant - but I have no idea of it's identity!

In most cases, planters that you get from florists or in greenhouses are meant for seasonal use, such as brightening up the house over Christmas, and these plants are usually tender plants that won't survive outdoors in a cold climate, like yours.

If you want to keep this type of plant flourishing, in general, these are the conditions they'll like best: warm bright conditions, with an average damp but not wet soil.

Keep in mind that these are potted into soil that does well in greenhouse conditions, in a house, not so much.

I recommend repotting it into a good sterilized potting soil, and cutting it right back once it finishes blooming.

Summer outdoors on a shady patio is probably a great way for it to get a rest, but not planting it directly outdoors.

Keep it in a pot which can be brought inside when the weather cools in the fall, and it will most likely bloom again.

Good luck!
Jacki