Gardening Topic for December 2003
Care of Holiday Plants

Provided by the Western Massachusetts Master Gardener Association
www.wmassmastergardeners.org.

Plants make wonderful holiday gifts. How long they remain attractive may be directly related to the care they are given. Proper watering is critical. Over-watering can be just as detrimental as underwatering. Large plants in small containers dry out quickly. Also, the humidity indoors tends to be quite low, especially during the winter months. Misting plants is not advised and may cause increased foliar disease.

Supplying adequate light and normal household temperatures are important factors for extending the life of holiday plants.

When transporting holiday plants, protect them from chilling winds and temperatures below 50 degrees. This can be accomplished by placing the plant in a roomy shopping bag, which will usually provide adequate protection for transporting the plant home when it is cold and windy. Do not leave your new plant in a cold car for an extended period of time.

Holiday plants are often delivered in waterproof containers or wrapped in foil. If possible, remove these pot coverings or punch holes in the bottom to promote good drainage.

One of the most delightful decorations during the holiday is the Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). The usual color choice is deep, vibrant red. However, there is a wide array of other colors, including pink, white, marbled, speckled, and yellow.

Poinsettias require at least six hours of indirect sun per day. Put your plant in a location with bright natural light, but where it will not be exposed to direct sunlight for more than two hours a day. Poinsettias prefer daytime temperatures between 65 - 70 degrees. The color of your poinsettia will last longer in temperatures that do not exceed 75 degrees during the day. Nighttime temperatures should be kept between 60 - 65 degrees. Poinsettias are sensitive to cold, so do not expose plants to temperatures below 50 degrees. Do not place poinsettias near cold drafts or excessive heat, which may cause the plant to drop leaves.

Examine the soil of your poinsettia on a daily basis. When the surface is dry to the touch, water the soil until the water runs freely out of the drainage hole in the container. The soil should be kept moist, and you should empty any water that drains into the container under your plant. If the plant sits in water, the leaves will yellow and drop. Overly wet soil lacks sufficient air, which can result in root injury. Also, do not fertilize your plant when it is in bloom.

While the poinsettia remains the most popular of the holiday plants, a healthy Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridesii) in full bloom is a great gift idea for that special gardener. They are easy to care for and can be grown indoors throughout the year. The flowers range in color from yellow, salmon, pink, fuchsia and white to a combination of those colors.

A Christmas cactus is not a true cactus and is not quite as drought tolerant as a true cactus. However, it is a succulent plant and can store a reasonable amount of water in the leaves. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil in the pot feels dry to the touch. Christmas cactus require about 50 percent to 60 percent humidity. A humidity tray is a method that can be used to provide the humidity required. Filling a waterproof saucer with gravel, then adding water halfway up the gravel does this. Place the pot on the gravel surface.

Cyclamen are traditionally sold during the Christmas season and into the winter as a florist plant. Most will bloom from mid-November until mid-February, provided conditions are satisfactory. Most of the blooms are white red, pink or lavender and appear to hang upside down over the heart-shaped mottled green/gray foliage.

Cyclamen prefer bright indirect light. An east window will provide adequate light for your cyclamen to stay healthy. Cyclamen need cool temperatures to remain in bloom as long as possible. Ideal daytime temperatures are 60 to 65 degrees with night temperatures around 50 degrees. In a warm room their blooming period will be shortened and the foliage tends to elongate, becoming loose and open.

Plants prefer to be kept moist. Water at the soil level but keep moisture away from the area on the tuber where the leaf and flower stems grow. If that area gets wet, the plant my rot. Most plants are planted in a peat moss soil that dries out quickly. Plants can and will wilt quickly. Make sure pots have drainage holes. High humidity during the winter indoors is also crucial. Use a humidity tray to provide the required humidity (explained above).

With cool temperatures, bright light, and a feeding every two weeks, cyclamen can reward you with several months of beautiful flowers. The foliage alone makes an attractive houseplant.

Whether you choose a poinsettia, Christmas cactus or cyclamen, knowing the specific care requirements of each plant will allow for many of us to extend the spectacular floral display beyond the holiday season. Happy Holidays and Happy Gardening to all!

For other articles, check out our archives

Provided by the Western Massachusetts Master Gardener Association
www.wmassmastergardeners.org.