Holiday Plants
Decorative plants such as poinsettias, cyclamen, holiday cactuses and living Christmas trees play an important part in decking the halls for the holidays.
After purchasing a holiday plant, be sure to protect it while bringing it home. Sudden exposure to low temperatures and wind will damage the plant. Poinsettias are particularly fragile. It’s best to have them sleeved before you take them out of the store. When you get them home, the plants should be located for attractive display, but a spot where they will receive some natural light will give best results.
Holiday plants often are sold in pots wrapped in decorative coverings. Punch holes in the covering where the drainage holes of the pot are located to allow the soil to drain properly when you water. Also, make sure the furniture or floor you set your plant on is protected by a plastic saucer. Another option is to remove the pot from the decorative covering, take the plant to the sink, water it and allow it to drain there before you return it back to the location where you are displaying it and slip it back into the decorative pot cover.
Plants should be checked for moisture daily by feeling the soil with your finger. Water thoroughly when the soil begins to feel dry. Never let a holiday plant wilt.
Allowing a plant to dry out, low light, low humidity, drafts and placing them near sources of heat all can shorten the attractive life of your holiday plant. You can make sure that your holiday plants will provide a beautiful display throughout the season with a little tender love and care.
Holiday Lagniappe: Karen’s Smash Cake recipe.
submitted by Karen Blackburn