Perfect Holiday Plants
With vibrant blooms during the cold winter months, it’s no secret why poinsettias and Christmas Cacti have become such popular holiday plants and treasured holiday gifts. Both plants light up the indoors and announce the arrival of the holiday season. And with the proper care, you and your loved ones will be able to enjoy the plants even after the holiday season is over.
Poinsettias
The history of the poinsettia is a marvel. Native to Central America, poinsettias were brought to the United States by Joel Robert Poinsett, the first US Ambassador to Mexico. An amateur botanist, Mr. Poinsett discovered this beautiful plant during a visit to Mexico in 1828. He was struck by its beauty and set out to develop the poinsettia in the United States. His efforts were a success and today the poinsettia is the number one potted plant in America. Interestingly, Mr. Poinsett later founded the institution we know today as the Smithsonian Institution. Mr. Poinsett died on December 12, 1851, and Congress later honored his life and accomplishment by declaring December 12th National Poinsettia Day.
Poinsettias are known for long lasting blooms and, in fact, will bloom all year long if cared for properly. The showy colored parts of the poinsettias look like flowers, but they are actually modified leaves called bracts. The actual flowers are little and yellow and are located in the center of the colorful bracts. Poinsettias enjoy bright, indirect sunlight and cool room temperatures. Poinsettias do not like temperature extremes so avoid placing them too close to a heat source or too near cool, drafty areas. They should be kept in a well-drained pot. Keep them well watered without leaving them soaked. Poinsettias should be watered directly at the soil to avoid wetting the foliage.
Christmas Cacti
Native to the rainforests of Brazil, Christmas Cacti feature intricate, dark green leaves and stunning blooms in red and pink. They bloom throughout the holiday season and beyond. Some have been known to live for decades, often becoming family treasures as they are passed from one generation to the next.
Christmas Cacti are relatively easy to care for. They should be kept indoors in a well-drained pot. Most Christmas Cacti purchased this time of year are already in bud and bloom and should be exposed to bright, indirect light. They should be kept at room temperature avoiding areas that become too hot or too cold. They are less drought tolerant than most cacti and should be watered regularly. Water thoroughly when the top one inch of soil is dry to the touch. Christmas Cacti become dormant around February and should be placed in a cool room and watered infrequently. The best time to prune them is when new growth appears in March or early April. There are several things you can do to encourage re-blooming in the fall. Beginning in September, water less and avoid fertilizer and normal light during the day. Then, keep Christmas Cacti in complete darkness at night. Once in bloom, expose to bright, indirect light and water regularly.
Brighten a home this holiday season with poinsettias and Christmas Cacti. Visit Stein Gardens & Gifts to choose from a wide selection of poinsettias and Christmas Cacti in a variety of colors and sizes.
