It’s that time of year again folks, when every store that can possibly sell plants stocks up on some holiday favourites. Greenhouses are exploding with festive colour; you can barely step outside your house without coming back with a new holiday plant (or 10). I usually resist buying anything until at least mid December, or so I tell everyone, although there’s certainly proof on my blog that an amaryllis recently followed me home. It wasn’t my intention to pick up an amaryllis bulb that day in the supermarket; it jumped into my shopping cart and started to sob about wanting a forever home. I took pity on it and took it in; what else could I do? I couldn’t leave it behind, could I?

Anyway.

This year, aside from the manipulative amaryllis that forced its way into my life, I’ve been really, really good about holiday plant purchases. I haven’t bought one single Christmas-y plant so far. Not one. And I am determined to keep it that way until after the holidays, or at least until a few days after Christmas. Because that’s when all these lovely plants, that are ridiculously priced right now, go on sale. And that’s when I intend to pick up a few Christmas cacti and one or two cyclamen; the former I like very much and would like to add a few to my home; the latter I haven’t grown in years and would like to try my hand at again.

So that’s the plan this year. Although I certainly can’t guarantee that ‘the plan’ won’t crumble at some point. It took every ounce of self control in my body to walk away from the Christmas cacti yesterday at Home Depot. I went so far as sorting through them, selecting the best ones and putting them on the side. Then I put them back with others. Reluctantly. And put them aside again. And put them back. This went on until my husband finally returned from wherever handy husbands go in hardware stores and asked “Are you getting any plants?” And that dear readers is when the real test for how much self control I have really occurred. It was a critical moment. I could have said to him “I’m trying to decide on a Christmas cactus. Can you help me pick one?” This would have led to him coming over to the plants to help me choose a few healthy ones. Then he would have helped me carry them to the car after they were paid for and I would have gone home with a handful of new holiday plants. Because for my husband it’s very simple. His answer to buying a plant is: “You like it, buy it. Forget the ‘after the holidays’ baloney. Just do it”

(I have a confession to make: There have been many times in the past when I’ve called my husband over to the plant section of a store - when I couldn’t decide whether I should buy a plant or not - knowing that he’d lift the plant in question, place it in the shopping cart and wheel it over to the cash register; basically, take charge of the situation. His assertiveness absolved me of any guilt I felt about spending money on yet another plant. I’d throw my hands up in the air and say “Well, he forced me to get it” I’m a terrible person, right? Does anyone else do this?)

Okay.

This Hydro Log is meant to list the most popular holiday plants along with their care requirements. I put up a list like this last year, with more or less the same plants. The difference this year is that I’ve included the moth orchid and the Norfolk Island pine; both of which are sold in abundance this time of year. And while I certainly understand the Norfolk Island pine, which looks like a Christmas tree, I don’t know why the orchid is included in the holiday mix. I guess it sells.


1) Moth Orchid

With striking flowers and thick, shiny, succulent leaves that emerge from the central crown, this is one of the most popular orchids with its simple care requirements and ability to adapt easily to the less than ideal environment of the indoors. Flower buds range in vibrant shades of pinks and mauves, to whites, yellows, reds, violets, browns and even pale greens, and can last up to three months or more.

Be careful with watering this plant that is susceptible to root rot but also hates being left to dry out until it’s wilting. Keep the plant moderately damp; water only when the medium begins to dry out, but never allow it to dry out completely either. Choose a bright spot but avoid direct noontime sun. Early morning or late afternoon sunlight in an east or west facing location is ideal, but you can also place this plant in a southern location in indirect light. Provide plenty of fresh air and ventilation in a room with average room temperatures. Humidity is essential to an orchid. Increase the levels by placing the plant on a pebble tray or running a humidifier nearby.

The Phalaenopsis is an epiphyte and would much rather have its roots clinging to a tree than buried in soil. While you can’t plant a tree in your home, you can get rid of the soil by growing this lovely plant in clay pellets instead. This epiphytic moth converts effortlessly, and readily adopts the hydroculture growing style.

Learn More: The Epiphytic Moth


2) Norfolk Island Pine

Surprisingly enough, this plant is not difficult at all to grow and will thrive indoors with proper care. Success with this plant is mostly dependent on the quality of light that it receives and your watering practices, although temperature and humidity play an important role as well.

Place your Norfolk Island Pine in front of a very bright window where it can receive plenty of indirect light all day long; protect from summer midday sun. Use a fast-draining, porous soil and keep it moderately moist during the active growing season. Reduce watering during the fall and winter months. Dry air is not tolerated well by this plant; left tips will brown, needles will drop and lower branches will die if the humidity is too low, so make sure to raise it if necessary.

Although the Norfolk Island Pine fares well during the spring and summer in a household where temperatures range between 18°C (6°F) and 22°C (72°F), this plant prefers a slightly cooler environment in the winter between 10°C (50°F) and 18°C (64°F) combined with a slight drop in temperature at night. In addition, never grow this plant below 5°C (41°F).

Learn more: O (Little) Christmas Tree


3) Amaryllis

What says Christmas better than an Amaryllis, a plant that puts on one of the most dramatic flower displays? With proper care, this lovely plant will boast those dazzling blooms the first year you own it and every year after that. And if you really pamper it, the bulb may even divide and multiply, leaving you with more bulbs to enjoy.

Plant the bulb up to its neck in a well-draining medium, leaving 1/3 to 1/4 of the top exposed. Water thoroughly and set the plant in a spot where it will receive bright, indirect light, and where temperatures range between 21°C (70°F) to 23°C (75°F). Do not water again until you see obvious signs of growth, then water thoroughly when necessary, keeping the soil moderately moist. Never allow the medium to dry out completely. The flower stalk is usually the first to appear but it’s not unusual for leaves to emerge before and even during the initial stage. As a general rule, the period from potting to flowering takes between 7 – 10 weeks.

And once the blooming period is over, there’s no need to throw out the bulb. With the right care, you can get your Amaryllis to bloom again next year. It may even be worth your while to keep that Amaryllis bulb instead of throwing it out every year because the longer you have your Amaryllis bulb, the bigger it will get and the more flowers it will produce. For those reasons alone, it’s worth keeping it around.

Learn More: The Bold And The Beautiful Amaryllis


4) Poinsettia

Poinsettias are the most popular of the holiday plants and one of the most delightful decorations at Christmas. These time-honoured classics can retain their beautiful display for weeks if not months inside your home. The longevity of your plant’s attractiveness and its ability to last through the Christmas season and beyond will depend mainly on what type of care you provide.

Your holiday plant loves high levels of light, so find a spot for it near a sunny window, which will provide at least six hours per day of indirect sunlight. The more light it receives, the longer it will last indoors. Keep your Poinsettia away from hot or cold drafts caused by radiators, air conditioners or open doors and windows. Place it in a warm room with average household temperatures. Keep the soil moderately moist; Poinsettias are susceptible to rot from over watering but they will also shed a great number of leaves if chronically under watered.

Most Poinsettias are treated as temporary gift plants and kicked to the curb once the bracts begin to age and the aesthetical appeal is lost. But Poinsettias are far from being temporary. They can be kept for a long time as an attractive foliage plant and - with proper care, dedication and a little luck - be encouraged to re-bloom for the next year’s holiday season.

Learn more: The Time-Honored Poinsettia


5) Cyclamen

No more than 12 inches tall - with flowers resembling butterflies with their wings closed floating over heart-shaped, dark green leaves beautifully marked with silver patterns - this little bloomer is one of the most remarkable holiday plants on the market. It may be small in size but it demands attention with its delicate flowers that are available in shades of white, pink, red and lavender.

Provide your plant with bright light and protect it against midday sun. A north or east-facing window is ideal and there’ll be no objection to the subtle and brief morning sun of an eastern windowsill. Cyclamen prefers a cool spot, no warmer than 20°C (68°F) during the day and down to 12°C (55°F) or even 10°C (50°F) at night. Keep the potting medium moderately moist and never allow it to dry out completely. It’s recommended to water only from below to avoid pouring water directly on the plant’s tuber, leaves and flowers; immerse the pot in a shallow container with tepid water until the soil is moist. Provide above average humidity for optimal health.

Most of these hearty bloomers are treated as temporary plants and discarded as soon as the flowers fade. But they can be persuaded to bloom every single year after a period of rest. Cyclamen follow a routine cycle – from dormancy to full bloom – throughout each year. The schedule that they follow is an advantage. Once you understand it and allow your plant to go through it, you’ll be able to easily encourage yearly blooms.

For more information: Recycling A Cyclical Cyclamen


6) Christmas Cactus

Possibly the second most popular plant during the holiday season, the Christmas cactus makes an elegant statement with its majestic display of flowers in shades of pink, white, red, violet, yellow, salmon, fuchsia or combinations of these colours. These much-loved plants are a wonderful seasonal decoration on a mantle, windowsill or countertop in your home when in bloom and striking foliage plants for the remainder of the year.

Since its natural home is a forest, this cactus is not quite as drought-tolerant as its desert kin, and although as a succulent it can store water, it needs to be kept evenly moist during the growing period in above average humidity levels of 50 – 60 percent. When the flowers have faded, allow the plant a much-needed rest by placing it in a cooler area and minimizing water for about six weeks. When new growth appears, resume regular watering and keep it evenly moist. When buds form in autumn, water just enough to keep the plant from shriveling. Increase water to normal levels while the plant is flowering. Low light can be tolerated but bright, indirect light is preferred. The morning sun of an eastern location is welcome but the plant must be protected against midday sun, especially during the warmer months of the year.

Sadly, many of these long-lasting plants are discarded as soon as the flowering period ends. A well cared for Christmas cactus can bloom heavily year after year with proper care, and thrive for decades, possibly outliving its caretaker.

Learn More: Christmas Cactus - From Tomb To Heirloom

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