The same few plants are the most common in holiday horticulture. So if you don’t already have any or all of these five holiday plants, now is the time to get them:
PAPERWHITES
Pre-chilled bulbs from this daffodil group can be planted right away and they will start producing flowers in as little as six weeks. You can buy them as many as possible if you see them on sale. One caveat to this is the fact that their unbelievably sweet fragrance may be resisted by some members of your family.
You can also grow them by placing their bulbs in some water. But it’s best to place the bulbs in a small container. They don’t need much water and will perform well if given the best light you have. You will get flowers if your plant sprouts. This is true for at least the first year. People usually toss them when they are finished, as they’re unlikely to flower again.
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POINSETTIAS
You can buy poinsettias in many places this time of the year. They are often bought, kept for several weeks then tossed. It is important to make sure they are alive and well for the holidays.
It is important to bring the plants home in a controlled environment. You might warm the car prior to transporting plants if they live in colder areas. The plants shouldn’t be allowed to get dragged in from windows or doors once they are home. You should place them in areas where temperatures range from 65 to 75 F during the day and 60 for night.
When the soil surface becomes dry, soak the whole pot. Drain them and check the soil surface every so often for new dunking.
You should not allow poinsettias to sit in water. To let the water out, make a small hole.
CHRISTMAS TREES
You can also use them as a garden activity. If you are using lights, make sure to keep your tree hydrated. You can either recycle or chip your tree and place it in the back of your yard to provide cover for birds.
AMARYLLIS
They are one of the most beautiful and easy-to-grow bulbs. They come with soil and a pot. All you have to do is make sure your bulb’s top is at least 1/3 above the soil line.
You can keep the plant alive right up to summer. You can then put it in a dark, cool place so that it becomes dormant. It will be ready to flower next year during the holiday season.
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CHRISTMAS ACTUS
Schlumbergeras Christmas cactuses are another plant that can bloom during mid-winter. These plants can live up to a dozen years (some of which are passed down from generation to generation) and will bloom every year when exposed to shorter days. Rooting cuttings is easy using just a leaf, so it is not uncommon for a clone of the same plant to be in more than one family member’s home.
Cactus Christmas thrives in bright sunlight. A Christmas cactus needs to be watered only when it’s in flower. You can make the flowers drop if you give them too much water.
The remainder of the year, you can soak the pot in water until the top soil is dry. The next spring, let your plants get natural light, then keep them cool and up against the window. They will be back in bloom.
This article was contributed by the Associated Press
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