How to Care for your Holiday Plants

Blooming holiday plants are wonderful for bringing color inside when it gets a little too gray outside. Like many houseplants, holiday plants like Poinsettias, Cyclamen, and Amaryllis can be a little finicky if exposed to big temperature changes. See below for instructions on how to keep your holiday favorites looking their best!


Poinsettia


The red, white and pink “flowers” are actually bracts, which surround the true flowers -- the small, yellowish-green nubs. Poinsettias will bloom for several months after Christmas with proper care. While blooming, give your Poinsettia plenty of sun, protection from drafts and sudden changes in temperature.

Temperature - 68 or above daytime; 50 - 65 nights.
Water - let soil dry somewhat, and then water thoroughly.
Light – bright sunny spot
Getting Poinsettias to bloom again after the first year is difficult. The United States Botanic Garden has instructions available.


Cyclamen

Cyclamen like cool bright areas with no drafts.

Temperature – 60 -65 daytime; 40 - 60 nights (40 - 50 is ideal).
Light – bright, sunny area; southern or western exposure is best.
Moisture – keep soil evenly moist.
To maintain after blooming, let foliage die back -- keep the pot in a cool spot and let the soil dry. Re-pot the tuber in midsummer in a small pot and place the pot in a warm spot to encourage good root growth. As the plants grow gradually return it to a cool area (55) to induce blooming. Fertilize every two weeks.


Narcissus


Narcissus are very fragrant and lovely Paperwhite and Soleid d’Or are in the group of indoor Narcissus which can be forced into bloom in a relatively short period of time. Set the bulbs in pebbles. Plant shallowly so that only the bases are achored. Keep the pebbles wet and do not fertilize. Set the bulbs in a cool, dark place until new growth is about four inches tall, then bring them out to bloom.

Temperature – 68 or lower during the day; 40 - 45 nights.
Water – keep pebbles moist, but do not let the bulbs stand in water. Discard after flowering is complete.
Light – bright, indirect light.


Amaryllis

The Amaryllis blooms in late winter. The bulb can be potted as early as October. When the flower spike appears, place in a well-lit, cool (60) location; keep moist and fertilize monthly with Peters fertilizer. After the danger of frost has passed, place the pot outside in a shaded spot; water and fertilize regularly. At the end of the summer, bring the plant back indoors and continue to grow until the foliage begins to yellow. At this time, withhold water to encourage die-back then remove dead foliage. Place the pot in a cool, dry room and do not water for about four months. At the end of this period, water thoroughly and begin the cycle again.

Temperature – 65 -70 daytime; 60 - 65 nights. Keep plants cooler when blooming.
Water – when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.
Light – bright; eastern or southern exposure is best.
Re-Pot – every two or three years; put in a pot big enough to allow a two inch ring of soil around the bulb.


Christmas Cactus

Christmas Cactus is an old, old favorite and a dependable bloomer year after year.

Temperature – in order to force the plant to bud, night temperatures must be about 55. After the buds are set, 70 during the day and 60 - 70 nights.
Water – keep evenly moist during the growing season. Keep on the dry side during the resting season.
Light – bright, indirect light.
Fertilize every two weeks during growing season; do not fertilize during resting period. Changing the location of the plant during the pre-blooming period, fluctuations in the temperature, low humidity, and drafts can cause bud drop.


Hibiscus

Hibiscus are brilliantly blooming tropical plants which love bright light and humidity.

Temperature – 70 or higher during the day; 60 - 65 nights.
Water – keep evenly moist.
Light – bright light with full sun.
Fertilize monthly


Gardenia


Gardenia are grown for their incredibly fragrant white flowers, the Gardenia is temperamental. Provide the proper conditions, and it will do beautifully.

Temperature – 68 -72 daytime; 60 - 65 nights.
Water – keep soil moist and well drained.
Light – full sun.
Bud drop results from any stress, especially low humidity. Gardenias will not set buds if a night temperature exceeds 65. Fertilize monthly.


Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe, are beautiful, bright succulents which are easy to care for.

Temperature – 68 -72 daytime; 50 - 60 nights.
Water – let soil dry between watering.
Light – bright light/full sun.
Fertilize every two weeks until plants come into flower.