5 Holiday Plants That Are Not A Poinsettia
Contents
1. Christmas Cactus
The Christmas Cactus (Schlumergera bridgesii) is a popular, winter-flowering houseplant that makes a terrific addition to indoor holiday decor. They are easy to take care of and propagate easily as well. Christmas Cactus enjoy temperatures between 60F-70F and indirect sunlight. The more indirect sunlight it receives, the more blooms it will produce. However, a Christmas Cactus will also adapt to low light conditions if indirect light isn't possible. They love moist soil and most actively grow in the spring and summer months.
2. Cyclamen
Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is a petite flowering plant with small blooms on long stems that stretch up above the foliage. Although a perennial in Planting Zone 9-11, Cyclamen are a commonly grown as a houseplant and popular during the winter holiday season. Cyclamens prefer bright, indirect light in the winter when the plant is actively growing. In the summer months, the plant is dormant and prefers a cool and dark spot with good air circulation. During active growth, water the plant whenever the soil feels dry about an inch below the surface. However, avoid getting water on the leaves or crown of the plant which can cause it to rot. When plants are dormant, water less frequently in order to prevent soil from drying out entirely.
3. Waxed Amaryllis
Widely popular during the holiday season, Waxed Amaryllis as bulbs produce vibrant red flowers that make a festive addition to indoor holiday decor. The wax-covered amaryllis bulb is completely self-sustaining, blooming with no care whatsoever. The waxed bulb contains all the nutrients and water it needs to flower. Waxed Amaryllis will bloom for 3 weeks at average room temperatures. Extremely low maintenance and stunning — a perfect combination! They are single-use and will not bloom again.
4. Paperwhites
Paperwhites are another beautiful, low maintenance plant for the holidays. As simple as potting and watering them, they will produce clusters of fragrant white blooms. After the bulb has been planted in soil, Paperwhites prefer a cool place away from direct sunlight. Water when the potting mix is dry about an inch below the surface and about once per week while the bulb begins active growth. Once per week, tug gently on the bulbs to see if they have begun to root. When your tug meets with a firm resistance (about 3 weeks after potting), move the container to a sunny window. Paperwhites will begin blooming 4-6 weeks after potting. After blooming, keep them in a spot where they get lots of bright, indirect light.
5. Norfolk Island Pine
Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is actually not a pine tree. It is a relative of the monkey puzzle tree, a landscape tree in subtropical climates and grown indoors elsewhere. It is common to see the Norfolk Island Pine grown as a living Christmas tree adorned with ribbons and ornaments. When grown indoors, the Norfolk Island Pine prefers damp, but not soggy soil and loves as much light as possible. Although they love light, Norfolk Island Pines can also handle long periods of dimmer conditions. They prefer warmer temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees F. After the holiday season, Norfolk Island Pines can be kept as an indoor potted plant and even moved into a sunny spot outdoors when summer comes around.
Gardening Question?
Ask Our Experts and we'll get back to you!