HUNTING VALLEY, Ohio — As we get older, we cherish the memories of years past and loved ones lost.
For Joe "Kastaway" Kulis, he has a special way to remember—through his family Christmas cactus.
The house plant has been around for at least as long as Joe.
"I first remember it when my father died, we moved in with my grandparents in Cleveland", recounts Kulis, who was 5 at the time.
Imagine if the leaves and blossoms on the plant could talk. Oh, the memories over those 76 years.
Many of those memories would include Joe's mother, Pauline. She cared for the cactus until her passing in December 2015. Mrs. Kulis played a huge role in Joe's life, working to put her son through college at Kent State and helping him start a small business, Kulis Freeze Dry Taxidermy in Bedford.
Now semi-retired, Joe still sells tackle on-line while caring for his chickens and small farm. The Christmas cactus keeps him connected to his memories, especially those of his mom.
"Definitely. I think of her all the time because she always loved it too. She always loved it, so that's my gift from her to me every Christmas. How's that!" said Joe.
Both septuagenarians are ready for another Christmas and another year of thriving together.
According to David Farr, horticulturalist at Petitti's Garden Center, Christmas cacti live so long because they are easy to care for.
"The only thing they really need is sun. They don't need a lot of water," said Farr.
Farr spoke with 3News at the Petitti's Oakwood location.
"The biggest question is about when they will bloom. The secret is based on temperature. Cooler temperatures will trigger them to blossom. That's why they usually bloom at Christmas," said Farr.
Blooms can last for weeks and come in red, pink, and purple. The plants originate in South America, growing in trees or rocky outcrops. Many plants live for decades because they are easy to take care of.