Caring for your Christmas plants during the Holidays

My Christmas Cactus has grown somewhat lopsided having been neglected throughout the summer months. I shan’t move it from its position on the windowsill now the buds have formed and opening.  During blooming, I need to avoid moving the plant too much, as this can cause the buds to drop.

Caring for a Christmas Cactus indoors during the holiday season is simple with a few key steps.

• Keep the plant in bright, indirect light rather than direct sun, which can scorch its stems.
• Maintain moderate temperatures, ideally between 18-21^oC, and avoid draughts from heaters or doors.
• Water when the top inch of soil feels dry but never let the pot sit in water.
• Christmas cacti appreciate higher humidity, so placing a tray of water nearby or misting lightly can help. 

With gentle attention, it will reward you with vibrant holiday flowers.

 

I rescued this little hardy Cyclamen from a display by my front door. It was looking rather battered and windswept after the frost. I brought it inside for some TLC, removing the dead foliage and dying flowers. Sat on my kitchen windowsill it has perked up and rewarded me with more buds and flowers.

 

 

My bigger indoor cyclamen is just starting to bud and will be in blooming  by Christmas.

When Caring for Indoor Cyclamen, pay attention to their light, watering, and temperature.

• Place your cyclamen in bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sun that can scorch the leaves.
• Keep temperatures cool, ideally between 15–18°C, as warmth can shorten bloom life.
• Water carefully when the soil feels dry, preferably from the bottom to prevent crown rot, and avoid wetting the leaves.
• Remove yellowing leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth.
• They thrive in higher humidity, so misting lightly or placing the pot on a water-filled pebble tray helps.
• After flowering, allow the plant to rest in a cool, dry spot until it blooms again.
  

 

Amaryllis (hippeastrum) are popular Christmas gifts. Mine stubbornly refuse to bloom until the summer but most are coming into their full glory for the Christmas season.

Growing amaryllis indoors is rewarding and straightforward.

• Start with a healthy bulb planted in the compost provided, leaving its top third exposed. 
• Place it in bright, indirect light and water sparingly until growth appears, then increase watering as the stem and leaves develop.
• Maintain temperatures around 21°C for optimal growth.
• Fertilise every two to three weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer once buds emerge.
• Support tall flower stalks to prevent tipping.
• After blooming, cut spent flowers but leave the foliage to nourish the bulb for next year.

With proper care, amaryllis can bloom annually, bringing vibrant colour indoors with their spectacular blooms.

 

 

 

If I’m buying a poinsettia, I always choose one from a seller who has kept it under cover rather than outdoors. They don’t like fluctuating temperatures, and if they’ve been exposed to the cold, the leaves can drop as soon as I bring the plant home.

During the Christmas period, a few simple care tips to keep poinsettia looking its best.

• Place them in bright, indirect sunlight for at least six hours a day, avoiding drafts, heaters, or cold windows that can damage leaves. 
• Keep indoor temperatures between 18-21°C during the day and slightly cooler at night.
• Water when the soil feels dry to the touch, ensuring good drainage and avoiding waterlogging.
• Remove any faded or yellow leaves to keep the plant healthy. Poinsettias also appreciate humidity, so occasional misting can help.

With proper care, their vibrant red bracts and green foliage will stay bright throughout the holiday season.

(poinsettia image byID 17418172 © Stargatechris | Dreamstime.com)