Caring for the most popular Christmas plants
Although the gardening season is still far away, we can still enjoy many green plants and flowering plants in our homes during this period. What would Christmas be without baubles, light installations and festive plants? Anthurium, Poinsettia, Christmas tree or Picea conifer add a special feeling of warmth, and with proper care you can keep them beautiful until Santa arrives.
The Poinsettia
No plant symbolizes the coming of Christmas around the world like the Poinsettia, especially the ruby-red variety. It is native to Mexico, but because it blooms in winter, it has become a symbol of the winter holidays.
How we take care of the plant:
1. Cover the plant when you bring it home, especially if the temperatures are quite cold. Don’t leave it in the car while you run errands around town.
2. Water only when it feels dry to the touch. Overwatering is the most common mistake in losing this plant. It is important that the pot has drainage holes and that the plant does not stand in water. Water it a little, then let it drain completely in the sink.
3. To keep it thriving, protect it from sudden temperature drops. It is best to keep the Poinsettia in a warm room (18-23°C) and spray it daily, thus simulating the tropical climate.
Schlumbergera truncata
Why is Schlumbergera truncata so popular? With such a long life, it can produce abundant flowers for another 30 Christmases to come.
How to take care of the plant:
1. Plants should be kept in bright, indirect light. A facing window is ideal. Too much direct sunlight can bleach its sensitive leaves.
2. It is especially important to water well while the plant is blooming. If you bought the cactus already in bloom, avoid frequent watering, because it no longer needs that much water.
3. Avoid moving the plant or exposing it to sudden temperature changes as it approaches flowering. If the plant has buds, they may fall off.
Picea
Did you get a Picea tree? If so, then you’ll be pleased to know that it’s not just a conifer for Christmas. It can be moved into the garden once the holiday season is over and will thrive all year round.
How to take care of the plant:
1. They are generally very low maintenance – they should only be trimmed to remove any dry foliage.
2. It prefers full sun. It is frost and snow-tolerant: up to – 50°C. It is among the hardiest conifer varieties in the world.
3. Water daily to settle into the soil. Relatively drought tolerant. In pots, it gets wet and keeps slightly moist. A fabulous conifer and very easy to maintain.
Anthurium
Anthurium’s heart-shaped ‘flowers’ are some of the most durable on earth, so their brilliant colour will last in your home for months.
How to take care of the plant:
1. The soil should be kept slightly moist and never allowed to dry out completely.
2. They need medium to bright light to flower but will survive and grow (but not flower) in low light conditions.
3. As with most houseplants, your anthurium will do best in pots with well-drained soil.
4. All anthurium species are native tropical plants, and mimicking these conditions will give the best chance of success. It prefers high humidity and temperatures between 18 and 29°C.
For the holidays, be happy in the company of festive plants that, we bet, compete with the most beautiful Christmas tree decorations. For orders, you can find us online or at the Orangery at 54 M. Kogălniceanu Street.
With a love for plants,
Floral Soul
