We’ve all received them; those gift plants often bestowed upon unwitting hosts and hostesses at holiday gatherings. It is always lovely to receive a small token of appreciation to brighten up the festivities. However, as the holiday season concludes, many of us are left looking at the once merry flora and wondering what we should do next.
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| Poinsettia come in a variety of colors during the holiday season but are the least practical choice for continued growth throughout the year. PHOTO BY KENDRA RAYMOND |
Dwayne Harris, owner of Blossoms of Windham says that he is all sold out of flowering bulbs. It is hard to compete with the big box stores that often sell them at a much lower price. At present, decorated boxwood trees are available in his shop and are a great lasting choice. They can be planted outdoors in spring.
Harris says that business is starting to pick up as Christmas draws closer. Many people order floral centerpieces and other arrangements as gifts. He said, “It is busier than in past years. We are noticing a bit of foot traffic, which is nice to see.”
Courtney King owns Studio Flora in Windham. The shop has recently relocated, and King says business is good. She says decorated boxwood trees are a popular choice this season. People are buying less poinsettias due to concerns about toxicity with pets. She says that Christmas cactus are a good seller and a great practical choice.
Amaryllis
Plants forced from bulbs are very common during the holiday season. Amaryllis is a tropical plant that grows from an enormous fast-growing bulb. The reward is a showy flower in a red or pink variation. The larger the bulb, the more flowers it will produce.
After the flowers fade, the plant can be kept actively growing. Simply cut the flowers off and leave the tall stem until it turns yellow. Next, place the Amaryllis in a very sunny window and continue to water and fertilize regularly. Green leaves will emerge as the plant continues to photosynthesize.
When spring arrives, the plant can be moved outdoors. Start with indirect sun, then transition to a sunny location on a deck or step. Bring the Amaryllis indoors when temperatures drop, and frost is suspected.
Paperwhites
Paperwhites are a popular choice during the holidays. They are easy to grow in pebbles, soil, or water. The blooms last for several weeks and are fragrant.
Once the flowers have passed, remove them, and allow the foliage to grow until it yellows. Cut off the leaves and store the bulbs in a cool dark place. In the fall, the bulbs can be forced again, planted outdoors.
Christmas Cactus
Despite the name, the Christmas cactus is not the typical desert cactus that comes to mind. Native to tropical rainforests, these plants require diffuse sunlight and evenly moist soil.
They especially enjoy high humidity and temperatures between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Fertilize during the summer to encourage blooms in early winter. Choose a fertilizer with lower nitrogen such as Miracle Gro Bloom Booster. Shorter days, cool temperatures, and low water all force the dormant stage which supports holiday blooming.
These are hearty plants that can live and bloom for many years.
Poinsettia
The poinsettia is the most recognizable plant of the holiday season. The colorful petals are leaves while the smaller center cluster is the actual flower. They thrive in bright sun and warm house temperatures.
Following the holidays, fertilize and prune any leggy branches. The poinsettia can be moved outside during the summer. Sadly, reproducing colored blooms is quite challenging.
Of course, the cut flower centerpiece is a timeless (and disposable) classic and King said that a lot of times people order small floral arrangements close to Christmas as hostess gifts. She also sells a selection of gifts and plants.
Harris agrees.
“It’s a whole new world,” Harris said. “Things are different than the past few years. You don’t know which direction it will go, and you have to be able to shift.”
The University of Minnesota Extension offers a great fact sheet on amaryllis: https://extension.umn.edu/houseplants/amaryllis
Penn State Extension provides tips on paperwhites: https://extension.psu.edu/enjoying-paperwhite-narcissus-in-winter
Christmas cactus information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/advice-for-christmas-cactus-care.htm <
After the flowers fade, the plant can be kept actively growing. Simply cut the flowers off and leave the tall stem until it turns yellow. Next, place the Amaryllis in a very sunny window and continue to water and fertilize regularly. Green leaves will emerge as the plant continues to photosynthesize.
When spring arrives, the plant can be moved outdoors. Start with indirect sun, then transition to a sunny location on a deck or step. Bring the Amaryllis indoors when temperatures drop, and frost is suspected.
Paperwhites
Paperwhites are a popular choice during the holidays. They are easy to grow in pebbles, soil, or water. The blooms last for several weeks and are fragrant.
Once the flowers have passed, remove them, and allow the foliage to grow until it yellows. Cut off the leaves and store the bulbs in a cool dark place. In the fall, the bulbs can be forced again, planted outdoors.
Christmas Cactus
Despite the name, the Christmas cactus is not the typical desert cactus that comes to mind. Native to tropical rainforests, these plants require diffuse sunlight and evenly moist soil.
They especially enjoy high humidity and temperatures between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Fertilize during the summer to encourage blooms in early winter. Choose a fertilizer with lower nitrogen such as Miracle Gro Bloom Booster. Shorter days, cool temperatures, and low water all force the dormant stage which supports holiday blooming.
These are hearty plants that can live and bloom for many years.
Poinsettia
The poinsettia is the most recognizable plant of the holiday season. The colorful petals are leaves while the smaller center cluster is the actual flower. They thrive in bright sun and warm house temperatures.
Following the holidays, fertilize and prune any leggy branches. The poinsettia can be moved outside during the summer. Sadly, reproducing colored blooms is quite challenging.
Of course, the cut flower centerpiece is a timeless (and disposable) classic and King said that a lot of times people order small floral arrangements close to Christmas as hostess gifts. She also sells a selection of gifts and plants.
Harris agrees.
“It’s a whole new world,” Harris said. “Things are different than the past few years. You don’t know which direction it will go, and you have to be able to shift.”
The University of Minnesota Extension offers a great fact sheet on amaryllis: https://extension.umn.edu/houseplants/amaryllis
Penn State Extension provides tips on paperwhites: https://extension.psu.edu/enjoying-paperwhite-narcissus-in-winter
Christmas cactus information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/advice-for-christmas-cactus-care.htm <
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