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| Potted Cyclamen in decorative pot |
Poinsettias, cyclamens, kalanchoes, holiday cacti are flowering tropical plants that bloom in the early days of winter. With a proper mix of light, water, room temperature and humidity, your plant(s) should bloom through New Year's day and a good portion of the winter.
Start by purchasing healthy plants at a local garden shop. Most new varieties tend to bloom longer in a home environment.
Poinsettia flowers are found in the center of the colorful modified leaves (called “bracts”). Place plants near a window that receives plenty of bright daylight daily. A south, west or east facing window is ideal. Don't set your plants near a cold or drafty window or a forced air heater
which may dry out the leaves and bracts.
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| Poinsettia |
Ideal day and night time room temperatures fall between 60 to 75 °F. Within 7-10 days a newly purchased plant may drop a few lower leaves. This is natural. The plant is simply adjusting to its new growing environment.
Schedule watering for every 5-7 days according to the
amount of light the plant receives. If lots of cloudy weather, water less often. The soil (potting media) should feel damp to the touch. The wait until the soil surface feels and looks dry within 5-7 days. Move the plant(s) to
the kitchen sink to spritz the foliage and media with tepid (not too
hot – not too cold) water. Do not leave
the plant sitting in water for more than two hours.
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| Kalanchoe |
During
the holidays you may leave the decorative wrap around the pot, but puncture holes at the bottom to permit excess water to drain into a saucer or tray.
In
general, your holiday plants will not need to be fertilized
for 6-8 weeks from date of purchase. Any soluble garden fertilizer such as Miracle-Gro™,
Jacks™, Espoma™ and Daniels™ can be used. Feed plants twice monthly @ one-half rate of the package directions.
