Amaryllis:
• When shopping for an Amaryllis size does matter. The bigger the bulb, the better the show.
• When watering, soak it until the soil is saturated and do this no more then twice a week.
• Most Amaryllis will produce two or three flower stems with three to four flowers per stem.
• After the flowers have faded, cut the flower stalk to within 1 inch of the top of the bulb.
• Continue to water and feed the plant regularly with a liquid houseplant fertilizer.
• Amaryllis will grow a number of leaves during spring and summer. This will help the plant produce energy for the following year’s bloom
Christmas cactus:
• Christmas cacti will keep their blossoms longer in cooler temperatures.
• Keep the plant in a well-lit location away from drafts from heat vents, fireplaces or other sources of hot air.
• Water thoroughly when the top half of the soil in the pot feels dry to the touch.
• Pruning your Christmas cactus after blooming will encourage the plant to branch out.
The Do’s and Don’t’s of Poinsettia Care
• DO place your plants in indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day. If direct sun can’t be avoided, diffuse the light with a shade or sheer curtain.
• DO provide room temperatures between 68 – 70 degrees F. Generally speaking. If you are comfortable, so is your poinsettia.
• DO water your plant when the soil feels dry to the touch.
• DO use a large, roomy shopping bag to protect your plant when transporting it.
• DO fertilize your plant AFTER THE BLOOMING SEASON with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.
• DON’T place plants near cold drafts or excessive heat. Avoid placing plants near appliances, fireplaces or ventilating ducts.
• DON’T expose plants to temperatures below 50 degrees F. Poinsettias are sensitive to the cold, so avoid placing them outside during the winter months.
• DON’T overwater your plant, or allow it to sit in standing water. Always remove a plant from any decorative container before watering and allow the water to drain completely.
• DON’T expose your plant to chilling winds when transporting it.
• DON’T fertilize your plant when it is in bloom.
Christmas Cactus Care Sheet
Christmas cacti are not only popular holiday gift plants, but they are also the subject of frequent debate among gardeners. There appears to be much confusion about these unique tropical cacti regarding care, maintenance and, especially, on how to get them to re-bloom. The following tips address the most frequently asked questions.
We typically think of cacti as being heat tolerant, but Christmas cacti will keep their blossoms longer in cooler temperatures. Keep the plant in a well-lit location away from drafts from heat vents, fireplaces or other sources of hot air. Drafts and temperature extremes can cause the flower buds to drop from the plant before they have a chance to open.
Watering seems to be the source of most problems with the Christmas cactus. The plant is a tropical type cactus and is not quite as drought tolerant as the name implies. However, it is a succulent plant and can store a reasonable quantity of water in the leaves. Water thoroughly when the top half of the soil in the pot feels dry to the touch. Discard the excess water and do not water again until the top half becomes dry. The length of time between watering will vary with the air temperature, amount of light, rate of growth and relative humidity.
Pruning your Christmas cactus after blooming will encourage the plant to branch out. Remove a few sections of each stem by pinching them off with your fingers or cutting with a sharp knife. Christmas cactus will bloom if given long uninterrupted dark periods. Begin the dark treatments in about mid-October to have plants in full bloom by the holidays. Christmas cactus will also bloom if they are subjected to cool temperatures of about 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Plants will be ready for the holidays if the cool treatments are started by early November.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Visit The Garden Lodge at 12723 So. Park Avenue in Riverton or give them a call at (801) 878-3140 for all your Christmas gift ideas. And for every $75 purchase, you’ll receive a 4″ free red poinsettia or for $150 purchase, receive a free potted amaryllis while supplies last.
Add comment