I can't speak for Mary O, but I have several...some bloom at Christmas and one at Easter! Crazy! They are succulents (cactus family), so only get limited amounts of water. No plant food. The buds come when the amount of daylight lessens. Even a porch light can keep the buds from setting. That's it. Sometimes plants need to almost be ignored to thrive. Mine are outdoors unless there's a freeze.