 |
| Artificial (?) Cactus |
Caller: I'm a beginner
at caring for plants but I have a question. How often need I water my cactus?
Cactusman: Depends on
the species. Some succulents like a drink once or twice a week. Others can go
months. What kind of cactus is yours?
Caller: I don't know. It's plump
and green with longish spikes. I didn't water it for 6 months and it seemed
fine, no change.
Cactusman: Could be an Acharagma
... They can go a long time without water.
Caller: Might it be an
artificial cactus? The green looked too green and it never seemed to be
growing. Do artificial cacti need water?
Cactusman: Well, yes,
this does sound like you might have an artificial cactus. I can't think why
that would need water.
Caller: Then I left it
for two months and it collapsed into a soggy heap. Can artificial cacti die?
Cactusman: A very good
question. (Pauses) Depends on what kind of death really. (Grimaces) Perhaps it
was insects, mold, bacteria, or even a virus. There are many causes. (Grins) Of course,
artificial plants are sometimes disposed of by their enemies. There is the odd person who actually aren't sympathetic to cacti. Can't think why.
_________
Voice-over
There is a subtext of
Q & A going on here. The caller is setting up Cactusman to say something
foolish. Cactusman realizes this, and from the mire, fires a final shot
"depends on what kind of death..." But it's really too little, too
late. He's struggling in the mud. Be wary of openings like, "I don't know
much about this field but..."
...
...
No comments:
Post a Comment