Winter Holiday Plant Care Insights
Whether you are the giver or receiver of a winter holiday plant, one of your first thoughts may be, "What do I do with this?" Read on for the answer!
Common sense goes a long way to enjoy winter flowers. Most plants enjoy the same room temperature we do, from 65 to 72°F. Avoid a location close to a fireplace or wood burner, as it will overheat and dry out the plant. Plants, like us, do not enjoy drafty areas. Be sure the plant's container will not leak water onto your furniture. Add a saucer or bowl to prevent damage. Remember to give them a drink so that the soil does not completely dry out, but don't allow the pot to sit in water.
Many flowering plants easily share our homes and can be rebloomed with little effort. It is acceptable to view other holiday plants as temporary and disposable. After the flowers fade, add the potting media and the plant to your compost pile. Penn State Extension offers these suggestions to assist you. Information on winter holiday plant care is a small part of what we share with our community.
If you have a potted evergreen tree, we offer two articles for you. Read the article about living Christmas trees and one on the indoor Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) care.
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.) and paperwhite narcissus (Narcissus papyraceus) bulbs produce flowers to brighten our homes. Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) and Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) are common gifts. If you wonder about the kinds of holiday cacti, we answer that question, too. If you are curious about today’s poinsettia, check out its development. Extension offers information about the legends of holly (Ilex spp.).
Do you have another topic to investigate? Enter the topic into the Penn State Extension search bar at the top of any page on our website. We are here to help you.
