Christmas Houseplants

Christmas Pot Plants Care Guide

Poinsettia (euphorbia Pulcherima)

This is a member of the huge euphorbia family, which includes weeds, shrubs and succulents. Hailing from Mexico, it was prized as a symbol of purity by Aztec kings up till the demise of Montezuma II in 1521. Dyes and medicines were made from the bracts and sap. The modern pot poinsettia was born in 1923 when the ‘Oak Leaf Seedling’ was raised. In 1963 the ‘Paul Mikkelson’ strain was raised in Ohio with longer lasting leaves and bracts which has resulted in the red, pink and white varieties we know today.

Poinsettias are plants for a warm room and they dislike draughts. Water with tepid water from above and allow the soil to almost dry out between watering. Do not stand the plant above strong heat sources like radiators and do not leave it on a windowsill at night where the temperatures may fall to freezing. The bracts can remain looking good till June if conditions suit.

Azalea

The Azalea produces its sumptuous flowers in red, pink, white and purple shades, often smothering the foliage. Usually called Azalea Indica it is properly called Rhododendron Simsii and was introduced from China in 1708. Most plants are grown as bush shapes, but standards on tall stems are now readily available.

The Azalea is easy to keep in a cool room where it will flower for many weeks. Stand it in a light position and keep it moist. Never let it dry out, as it may never recover. Look at the base of the stem, the darker zone should be one inch high and if higher the plant is too wet, if lower it is too dry and should be watered. To water, plunge the pot completely in tepid water until air bubbles stop rising from the compost, remove, allow to drain and put back in its pot cover. Spraying the leaves and buds with water will keep it fresh, avoid strong heat or very dark situations.

After flowering, cut back any long shoots, remove dead flowers, repot into ericaceous compost and keep in a well-lit, cool place until all risk of frost is over. It can then be buried in its pot in a semi-shaded spot. Do not forget to keep it fed and watered. Bring it indoors in September and it will flower between November and March according to how cool it is kept.

Cyclamen

The florist’s cyclamen is derived from Cyclamen Persicum from the Eastern Mediterranean. The Cyclamen is a plant growing from a corm and is naturally dormant in summer. When purchased it is a 10 month old seedling and enjoys a well-lit position, an airy atmosphere and a cool temperature. Problems can occur because:

• They are over watered
• They are kept in dark conditions
• They are in too much heat

These three conditions cause the plant to become floppy, the flowers pale and small and the leaves yellow.

Care with watering is essential – let the compost almost dry out between waterings and then stand it in a basin of water 2 inches deep for 15 minutes to give a good soak and then drain.

Christmas Cactus (Zygocactus hybrid)

Once only pink, this cactus, which grows perched in trees in nature, is now available in many shades.

Place in a light, warm humid spot and do not turn it round as this and a dry atmosphere will cause bud drop. Keep moist, but not wet whilst flowering after which it must be keep dry and cool till it is repotted in March

Orchids

Of all flowering plants in the world, none are as seductively alluring as the Orchids. An orchid bloom can transform any room into a tropical palace. With minimal care and attention, Orchids will flower for long periods and are easy to grow.

How to grow them

Compost

Orchids must have a well-drained, aerated compost in which to grow. Water retentive compost can cause root suffocation, so you should buy orchid specific compost.

Water

Some people use rainwater, but it is thought that a 50/50 mixture of rainwater and tap water at room temperature is better, because of beneficial elements like calcium. However, be aware that treated water can have a high salt content and a higher calcium content than is needed. Check your plant regularly and if you see deposits forming on the plant, it is time to seek out a new water source.

If you are not sure if your plant needs watering, don’t, as overwatering is probably the biggest killer of Orchids. Always check the species guidelines as some species have unique watering needs. Generally, you should check the compost mix and the roots of the orchid to help you know when to water. If the compost mixture is dry, it is time to water. If the roots look white or silvery it is time to water, but if the roots look green or mottled the plant is fine. Water thoroughly from the top or the base. Always water in the morning, you want to completely saturate the plant leaving droplets hanging on the roots. Drain thoroughly.

Light

Nearly all orchids are naturally adapted to cope with the filtered light found under forest canopies but will not tolerate full shade. Good light is desirable, but plants should be protected from scorching sunlight.

Temperature

Cool orchids will need a minimum night temperature of 10c and maximum of 24c, intermediates need 13c minimum and 30c maximum. Warm orchids require 18c minimum and 32c maximum.

Feeding

Orchids are not heavy feeders, and it is preferable to use feed specifically designed for orchids.

Humidity

Orchids will benefit from frequent misting which will increase the humidity of the air around them but do not mist bloom.

Repotting

Don’t worry if your orchid looks as though it is bursting out of the pot. Orchids naturally produce aerial roots which can spill over the side of the container.