Flower Power
December 27, 2008
The view outside my window is very wintry; it’s been this way for awhile. The snow came to town a few weekends ago. And last week. And a few days ago. It may arrive again in a few days and it will definitely visit us many more times throughout the winter. So although it took a little longer this year than it did last year to get here, the white, snowball-making, slush-producing, sometimes-fluffy, sometimes-rock-hard stuff has finally blanketed our city and we had a white Christmas. I think this was the case across the entire country because from what I’ve read in the news, snow fell over every major Canadian city from coast to coast. So it seems that all my fellow citizens have the same snowy scene outside their windows like I do. Lucky us.
I’ll admit that winter is a very picturesque season, and I’ll also admit that I do like a white Christmas, but that’s about all the white – and cold - I need. Snow for a few short weeks, let’s say from about the beginning of the second week in December until the end of the first week in January, is more than enough. After that it starts to get on my nerves and I want it to disappear - and take the entire winter season with it. Because winter in my world means no outdoor botanical life – well, aside from the evergreens, but big deal. The grass is buried, flowers are nonexistent and plants are nowhere to be seen. It’s truly a gloomy time of year.
And that’s when I find myself craving indoor flower-producing plants. In general, I’m not a big fan of flowering plants; I’m an out-and-out foliage girl. But when winter kicks in and the outdoors becomes barren of vegetation, aside from the (yawn) evergreens, I feel the need to grow something that will produce pretty flowers right smack in the middle of the darkest, coldest and most depressing time of the year. This is what I refer to as the annual flower power event, my way of staying sane until the spring season kicks in and the great outdoors returns to life.
Below are some indoor flowering plants that help brighten the dreary days of winter.
1) Hibiscus
What could be more magnificent than the brilliant blooms of this exotic specimen? With a variety of flower colours to choose from - including red, white, yellow, orange and pink – a Hibiscus plant is sure to satisfy every palette. Remarkably easy to grow, and one of the most reliable flowering houseplants, this tropical beauty requires only a few basic needs to be met to keep it thriving and blooming.
Provide this sun lover with as much light as possible but make sure you protect it from the direct rays of the sizzling midday sun during the summer season. All through the active growing season, keep the fast-draining soil moist (not soggy) at all times, especially while it’s blooming. Keep your Hibiscus away from drafts and place it in a room where the temperature is warm and humidity is high.
Sooner or later a Hibiscus will become straggly and long-limbed, producing fewer and smaller flowers, so at the beginning of the growing season – late February or early March – give your plant a haircut. Able to withstand heavy pruning, don’t be afraid to remove about 1/3 of the plant with very sharp shears. Cutting back your Hibiscus will stimulate new growth – more branches and more flowers.
With proper warmth and enough sunlight, your lovely plant will adorn your sunny windowsill for years to come. And although each papery flower will last for only a day or two, a Hibiscus is capable of producing dramatic blooms continuously from spring to autumn, with the greatest profusion in the summertime – just in time for passersby to catch a glimpse of it.
Learn more: Caring For A Hibiscus - Indoors
2) Saintpaulia Ionantha - African Violet
These cuties – one of the most popular houseplants - bloom readily year-round. With their velvety leaves and many shades of flowers, including two-toned varieties, these compact plants – that are easily propagated from leaf cuttings – are charming additions to every room in your home. Quality daylight is one of the primary ingredients for successful flowering so let there be light – but not direct sun from southern areas! Choose an east or north windowsill to show them off on. A little morning sun from an eastern location won’t hurt one bit, and your plant will love you for it.
Over-watering is the fastest way to kill an African violet so be prudent with the watering can. Always keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Place your African Violets on trays filled with pebbles and water to increase humidity, and keep them in rooms where the temperature is average; if you’re warm and comfortable, they are too.
Attractive, versatile, several flower colours to choose from and perfect for beginners – how can you not adore these renowned beauties? There are African violets growing happily in cozy windowsills around the globe. Why not on one of yours?
Learn more: Humble Advice On Growing African Violets
3) Euphorbia Milii - Crown Of Thorns
This adorable plant has thick, fleshy stems armed with numerous thorny ridges that support dark green, lance-shaped leaves and small, pretty flowers - in shades of red, pink, yellow or white - that bloom freely most of the year. The supposed ‘flowers’ are actually showy bracts (the actual bloom is in the center), but the ensemble is quite charming.
The Euphorbia Milii, attractive and easy to care for, can handle a substantial amount of neglect and keep on growing. Give it as much light as possible, water moderately from spring to summer and sparingly during the winter. Succulent stems allow it to be quite drought-tolerant, but if it’s severely under-watered, it will drop some (or all) of its leaves. On the other hand, constant over-watering will eventually kill it.
Switch to hydroculture, the ultimate solution to the otherwise eternal water juggling act. The Euphorbia Milii takes to the system like a fish to water, flourishing happily as it rewards you with abundant new leaves and generous blooms.
Learn more: Crown-Of-Thorns - Euphorbia Milii
4) Phalaenopsis - 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
5) Azalea
Aristocrats of indoor bloomers, Azaleas provide a mass of flowers that can be white, red, orange, pink, purple, salmon, freckled, variegated, bicoloured or white with coloured edges. This wealthy creation of subtle and vibrant eye-catching shades bursts forward from blooms that are single or double and often crinkled at the edges, accompanied by thick, glossy, oval leaves that grow on a woody stem. The striking foliage of this potted plant makes it an attractive specimen even when it’s not in bloom.
Azaleas like it cool; ideally, temperatures should not exceed 18°C (65°F) during the day and night temperatures should linger between 7°C (45°F) – 12°C (55°F). Keep the soil moist at all times; never allow this plant to dry out completely. Under-watering leads to premature dropping of buds, flowers and even leaves. Place the plant in a location that provides bright, indirect light; a shady location and cool temperatures are required to encourage and extend the flowering period. Provide plenty of humidity; plants grown in areas where the air is very dry do not perform well and they are prone to spider mite attacks.
Azaleas are usually treated as temporary plants and discarded after the blooming period has come and gone. But that need not be the case with these beauties. With a little tender loving care, Azaleas will flourish for years, rewarding you for several weeks at a time with plenty of lovely flowers to grace your home.
Learn more: Some Like It Cool – Azalea
6) Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana – Flaming Katy
This pretty plant boasts a variety of flower colours in vivid shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, white and purple that last for weeks, even months. Pronounced Kal-an-CHOH-ee or Kal-an-KO-ee, this is the perfect choice if you’re searching for a plant that will make a nice gift – or one that will add a splash of colour to your own bright windowsill. Even between blooming periods, Kalanchoe makes a great foliage plant with its waxy, dark green, fleshy leaves. On top of everything else, it’s easy to care for; perhaps that’s one of the reasons it’s snatched up so quickly when it arrive at local stores.
Allow the soil to dry out considerably and then water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage holes. Although Kalanchoe does not want to be kept constantly moist like some tropical plants, it should not be kept dry for very long periods like you would with a cactus. Almost any light level will be tolerated but bright light and even full sun is preferred. Providing at least four hours of direct (early morning or late day) sun each day, which is essential for flowering, and indirect sunlight for the remainder is ideal. Warm, dry conditions are tolerated well by this succulent. A night temperature from 16°C (60°F) to 18°C (65°F) is recommended, with slightly higher levels during the day between 18°C (65°F) and 24°C (75°F).
Kalanchoe is usually treated as a temporary plant and discarded when the blooming period is over but it can be kept for many years if a few cultural requirements are met. And although getting it to bloom again is not easy, it’s also not impossible. If you’re willing to pamper it, a Kalanchoe can continue to look great and reward you with a new set of buds every year.
Learn more: The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - Kalanchoe
7) Schlumbergera - 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.
Although low light can be tolerated, this plant prefers to be placed near a window where it can receive bright, indirect light. 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
8) 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 delicate flowers available in shades of white, pink, red and lavender.
Provide your plant with bright light and protect against midday sun, which can damage the delicate leaves. 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. Like the Azalea, a Cyclamen prefers a cool spot - no warmer than 20°C (68°F) during the day and a cooling 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.
Learn more: Recycling A Cyclical Cyclamen
Thank goodness for flower power! A wonderful way to chase away the winter doldrums...
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