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Beautiful blooming plants make holiday gifts that last the whole year
Nothing decorates your home for the holidays like plants. Living plants bring beauty and freshness cannot be matched by imitation plants. Holidays or not, the greenery brightens the winter days when we are not outside as much. There are several holiday plants that do well in Central Texas and can be managed to last for more than one season.
The Norfolk Island pine can be a good substitute for a Christmas tree and can be decorated with small ornaments. It makes a wonderful houseplant after the season is over. This little tree requires porous, slightly acidic soil, so sand and peat moss should be added to the original potting soil. The Norfolk needs a site that provides four to five hours of bright light daily. This plant requires high humidity, so mist it weekly or set the container over a tray filled with pebbles and water. Water thoroughly and then let it dry out before the next watering. Plants should be fertilized in the spring with water-soluble fertilizer.
Another festive option is Amaryllis. The bulbs can be found at big box or grocery stores over the holidays, and Amaryllis can live for years. After their blossoms wither, cut the stems down to one inch from the base. Continue to water and feed regularly and place the pot in a sunny place. Amaryllis can go outdoors in their pots during the summer if placed in a shady location. In September, initiate a dormancy period by transferring the plant to a cool, dry and dark location for eight to 12 weeks. November is the time to take off any old foliage. Water sparingly as the stems grow and provide bright sunlight. As the blooms open, resume normal watering and remove the plant from direct sunlight.
Everyone loves the Christmas Cactus, which thrives in average home conditions with moderate care.
During the day, the plant needs bright, indirect sunlight. It enjoys high humidity and room temperatures between 60 to 70 degrees.
As with the Norfolk Pine, mist or place it over a pan of pebbles and water. Water the plants thoroughly and let them dry out between watering. Feed it with a houseplant fertilizer between April and October. Christmas Cactus needs two conditions to rebloom in time for Christmas. Beginning in October, four to six weeks of darkness is necessary from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. It also needs a period of cooler temperatures during this time. Christmas Cactus should bloom in December until late spring and then should be pruned and watering reduced.
Finally, Poinsettias have been a holiday plant dating back to the seventeenth century. New plants should be in a setting that receives bright light. Indoor temperatures of 65 to 75 are best and temperatures below 50 degrees will kill poinsettias. Remove the holiday foil before watering and make sure the pot drains freely. Never allow the Poinsettia to sit in excess water. Caring for your plant should follow the holidays throughout the year. On Valentine’s Day, cut back the plant to about five inches to promote more growth. On St. Patrick’s Day, replace old potting soil and replant into a permanent container. Keep in a light, sunny window. Memorial Day is the time to trim two or three inches off the branches. On Father’s Day, move the plant outside to a shady place. Begin to fertilize on the Fourth of July and continue to water. Labor Day is the time to move the Poinsettia back inside where it requires six hours of direct sunlight. Reduce the fertilizer to one-quarter of the recommended strength. Starting on the fall equinox, Sept. 21, the plant will need 16 hours of darkness (a closet or under a box) and eight hours of bright light every day. Rotate the plant to give all sides even light. When Thanksgiving arrives, discontinue the short day-long night treatment and locate the plant in a sunny area providing six hours of direct light. Christmas should bring new blooms to your old plant.
