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The Effect

The basic idea is that a green stemmed pot plant suddenly produces 5 very large flowers.


Cost
£35 from Practical Magic.



Difficulty Very easy, 1.
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)



Review

If you use it as a basic effect, I would say it is expensive and not to get it.
Saying that, if you put some thought into it, and if you do childrens shows, buy it.

I use it as a running gag throughout the show, only producing the flowers when they are cheering (hopefully! ) after the fional effect.

I bring it on stage with me and introduce it as " my Pet Pot Plant Percy."
Not easy to say, with more likelyhood of me getting it wrong than right, with me sometimes giggling as I try to get it right. result, the children are laughing with you from the start of the show, before you even do anything.
I then say that he will do some magic if they cheer loud enough. This gets them cheering and clapping and making lots of noise. I put a silk over the plant, then take it off. Nothing has happened. He then whispers in my ear that maybe they would cheer more when they have seen some magic. I ask if they would like to see some magic, which allows me to go into the show itself.
If you cover it back up with a silk, you can, at different times of the show, make sure you get a louder cheer by holding the silk. They soon get the idea to make more noise. When they do, take the silk away to reveal nothing has happened. don't overdo it and make sure the flowers appear at the very end of the show.

Another big advantage. If you pick the times where it might take you a few seconds between finishing one trick and setting the next one on the table, you will cut out any silent pauses you have. I find that I use this to make my routine run much smoother.


Overall

If used as a single effect, or just a couple of times during the show, I would only give it a 5.

Used to get the children cheering and at the correct times and methods during a show, I would give it a 10.
The reason it is so high, is it is an ideal way to start a childrens show by getting them calling out. I always find the start is the hardest part. add together that it adds continuity and it is a winner.

I couldn't help but respond on this one in that the Gufus Plant was a major hit back in its day (early and mid-1970s).

There is footage in existence of Ali Bongo doing this gag, I would highly recommend tracking it down and studying it.

I saw it a few months ago when I got myself some new stuff for my kid's show act, didn't really jingle my bells ill tell you that...
In about half the price it costs you can get a 3 way blooming Bouquet, which has about the same result and can be used in even more ways.
Personally I don't use either, but if I had to choose one I'd go for a 2 way or 3 way blooming Bouquet.

great routine you have created for children's shows I must say !