Caring for Holiday Blooming Plants

‘Tis the season to give and receive blooming plants during the holidays.  If you receive a blooming plant as a gift, relax and enjoy its beauty.  I thought I would share 6 common blooming holiday plants, and tips for caring for them.

Poinsettia’s are iconic this time of year.  Poinsettia’s prefer mild temperatures, so keep them away from cold drafts and direct heat.  They prefer bright, indirect light, and need to be watered about 1-2 times per week, or when dry.

Christmas Cactus prefer the same mild conditions as Poinsettias.  Even though they are a cactus, they still like indirect light and cooler conditions.  Water 1-2 times a week, and if the leaves begin to wrinkle, move to a cooler location or give it more water.

Norfolk Island Pines are low maintenance and also prefer bright, indirect sunlight.  Place in a cooler room, and water when dry, usually about once a week.  These plants do not like sitting water, but they love to be misted with a spray bottle.

Kalanchoe plants are a beautiful green succulent plant with flowers that come in a variety of colors.  They like the sun during winter, but move to a less intense place in the summer.  During the winter months their watering needs are quite low, just a few times per month will do.

Amaryllis take typically 7-10 weeks to bloom.  The flowers are typically white red or pink, and some have intricate combinations of these colors.  They like bright, direct light for initial stem growth.  When they bloom, they can be moved to an indirect light source. Water about 1-2 times per week.

Ornamental Pepper plants are a great way to bring color into the house.  These plants prefer direct light, and need to be watered about 1-2 times per week.  Although these plants are edible, they are very hot and may contain herbicides and pesticides not intended for human consumption.

Happy planting, and Happy Holidays from all of us at Designscapes Colorado!

This entry was posted in Holiday Lighting & Decor, Designscapes News, Annuals & Perennials