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It's the holidays and a wonderful time to decorate with festive
houseplants. Having vibrant blooms
during this joyful season will infuse colors, shape and textures. Just a few of the holiday houseplants that blossom
during the holidays are Amaryllis, Christmas Cactus, and of course the favorite
Poinsettias.
Amaryllis grow from blubs that have been forced. They are usually bought in the sprouting
stage. Amaryliss are wonderful because
they will live for many, many years and bloom season after season. They prefer moist soil and bright light
during their growing period. Amaryllis
are very easy to care for. Once the
flowers fade, this houseplant will slowly go into dormancy. Let the pot dry out slowly, removing the old
leaves. Let the bulbs rest in a cool dry
place for 2 - 3 months. Repot or refresh
the soil 6 - 8 weeks before blossoming is desired. During this stage keep the soil moist and
provide plenty of light. It is fun to watch these beautiful plants come to
life.
Christmas Cactus is another wonderful blossoming houseplant that will
continue to flower for many years, sometimes being passed down from generation
to generation. The key to getting
Christmas cactus to flower during the holidays is proper light exposure, correct
temperatures and correct watering.
In September and October, while the Christmas cactus prepares to bloom,
plants should be a spot where it receives indoor indirect bright light during
the daylight hours but total darkness at night. Keep the plants where temperatures will
remain around 55 degrees. When the
flower buds form, then increase water and temperature. During November and December the Christmas
cactus will produce more abundant blooms if the plant is exposed to higher
light intensity.
The Christmas cactus is a tropical plant.
Correct watering in different months will make a difference in
predicting when the plant will bloom. In
November and December, a good rule of thumb is to water the plant thoroughly
and then allow about the top inch of soil to dry before watering again. However, September and October, the plants
should be watered less frequently, having the soil dry out more thoroughly
between watering.
Christmas cactus need 50 - 60 percent humidity. This can be accomplished by placing a vase, glass
or tray of water near the plant. As the
water evaporates this provides the humidity the cactus needs. A humidity tray is another method of providing
the humidity the Christmas cactus requires. This is done by filling a
waterproof saucer with gravel, then adding water halfway up the gravel. Place
the pot on the gravel surface.
Never place the Christmas cactus near a door that opens and closes to the
outside. Also, keep it away from drafty areas, heating ducts or near the
fireplace.
Fertilize in late October or early November, and during the growing season
from April through September. Fertilize
with an all purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer with a nitrogen ration of no
higher than 10 percent.
Bud drop can be caused by anyone of several different conditions. Usually
it's because of over-watering, lack of humidity or insufficient light.
After the Christmas holiday season, the Christmas cactus should be given
about a 30 day rest. Again place it in a cool room and provide limited water.
Don't worry if it loses a few leaves or joints and appears weak during this
rest period. Do not pinch, prune or
shape your Christmas Cactus at this time.
The best time to do this is when the new growth beings in March or early
April. The best time for repotting a cactus
is February, March or April. Remember
the plant will flower best if kept in a container where it is pot-bound. The Christmas cactus will flower several
times throughout the year if given proper care and attention.
Poinsettias are the most popular Christmas season houseplants. They are prized for their colorful bracts,
which range from white and the softest pink to the most electrifying red. The bracts are not the flowers. The true flowers are located in the center of
the bracts and are tiny.
To keep Poinsettias looking their best, keep their soil moist, but not
saturated. Larger plants may need to be
watered daily. Poinsettias like bright,
indirect light. Like the Christmas
Cactus never place the Poinsettia near a door that opens and closes to the
outside. Also, keep it away from drafty
areas, heating ducts or near the fireplace.
If they start to loose they leaves check for a cold draft.
After the holidays you can keep Poinsettias as regular houseplants, but they
will lose their color, their bracts turning to green. To get them to color again is difficult, to
do so requires at 14 - 15 hours of darkness a day for 8 - 9 weeks beginning the
end of September or first of October.
Whatever holiday decorating you choose, using these beautiful holiday
blossoms will enhance any setting.
Enjoy!
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