Home Gardening

Holiday plants need special care
The Coast Gardener Newspaper and Web Column - December 15, 2001

Holiday plants add a special touch to the season. Although poinsettias are the most popular holiday plants around, there are several other favorites that brighten those dreary days of winter. Many holiday plants can remain attractive for months or even years with proper care.

When buying poinsettias, check the maturity of the plant. The colorful bracts actually are vividly colored leaves, not flowers. The flower part of the poinsettia is the tiny yellow bead-like structure in the center of the bracts. Mature flowers are slightly swollen, with the cup showing nectar. Avoid purchasing plants with flowers that have dropped from the plant.

Keep poinsettias away from windows, doors, other cold drafts and heaters. Provide bright light and keep the soil slightly moist.

Your poinsettia will last many weeks, perhaps months, if you care for it properly. The length of time depends on the maturity of the plant at purchase, the variety, and how you treat the plant.

The Thanksgiving/Christmas cactus requires bright light and high humidity. It will not bloom if it is kept too warm, so keep it away from heat sources inside your home. This true cactus can be "fussy" in that it can drop its buds if it is moved during the blooming period. It is best to leave it alone until after blooming. I like to buy them early enough so they will set their buds after I bring them home.

Potting medium should be moist but not wet. They have a tendency to be watered too much, and this can lead to root rot.

The amaryllis has become a favorite plant among gardeners because of its large, colorful, bell-shaped flower. Growing an amaryllis successfully does require a little effort.

When growing amaryllis in pots, use a pot that is small in relation to the size of the bulb. A size pot that will give 1 to 1 1/2 inches between the bulb and the side of the pot is large enough. Sterile soil that is combined with mulch, peat moss and vermiculite is adequate.

Bury half the bulb in the soil leaving the other half exposed. Water thoroughly and let dry until the bulb sprouts. Once the bulb sprouts, keep the soil moist throughout the growing season.

Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a houseplant fertilizer.

Be sure to give amaryllis plants at least five hours of direct sunlight a day. Remove the stalk about two inches above the bulb once the flowers are spent. Remove leaves as they wither.

Proper drainage and aeration is required for proper flowering. Too much nitrogen, too much shade and disease can cause the plants not to flower. It is also important not to dig or reset bulbs until they reach maturity; otherwise, they will likely fail to bloom for the holidays.

The cyclamen will tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees. Bright, indirect light is needed while it is blooming. The bare pot can be set on a plate of wet pebbles should increased humidity be needed around the plant. Keep the soil moist during the blooming period.

Kalanchoe will tolerate most light levels, but it prefers medium light. Always water thoroughly and allow soil to dry out between waterings. Cooler temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees are best. Fertilize once every three weeks while flowering.

The Norfolk Island Pine is a popular holiday gift. This "Living Christmas Tree" is a tropical plant that prefers high to medium light levels. High humidity, cool temperatures, and good ventilation is best. It cannot tolerate wet roots for very long.

Holiday plants come in an array of colors and textures that are sure to get everyone in the holiday mood. With a little care, they can provide vivid color for the holiday season and beyond.

These archived gardening columns were written by Chance McDavid, former Harrison County Extension Agent.