Make you Holiday Blooms Last Year Round

Vibrant poinsettias bring festive cheer and enduring beauty all year round, complemented by the lush green of nearby cacti.ear round

The winter holiday season is here. It’s not just the season of giving, it’s also the season of winter plant blooms that we find as holiday favorites. Among the seasonal favorites are Christmas Cacti, Poinsettias, Amaryllis and Kalanchoe.

It’s important to remember that these showy plants are not just meant for the holiday season; they are year-round plants that bloom in the winter. Let’s explore our top picks and learn how to keep them lasting long after the winter season has passed.

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera), a tropical cactus originating from rainforests rather than deserts, boasts dragon or lobster claw-like blossoms stemming from flat, segmented leaves. These cacti come in a wide array of colors, including white, red, yellow, and pink, and bloom quite frequently throughout the year. In spring, they are affectionately known as Easter Cacti, while in autumn, they are celebrated as Thanksgiving Cacti. They thrive in slightly moist soil, bright light, and temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. As with any cactus, watering sparingly is crucial, and it’s best to resist the urge to repot them, as they prefer cramped roots. Repotting may cause the blooms to go dormant.

Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are small shrubs that can grow up to two feet tall. They bloom late in the year as the days shorten. Their vibrant “flowers” are actually modified leaves called “bracts.” They are popular during the holidays due to their striking colors, such as red, pink, and ivory, but they also display a beautiful green appearance when fully mature. Some varieties even exhibit blue and purple hues. Poinsettias thrive in moist, well-draining soil and temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can be grown outdoors during the summer months. To encourage reblooming with colorful bracts, they require “blooming sleep” in low light conditions for at least 16 hours daily, beginning in early autumn. This process prevents the chlorophyll from greening the plant and altering the bracts into the vibrant colors they once possessed. With proper care, poinsettias have been known to endure for decades. While poinsettias are not poisonous, their sap may cause dermatitis.

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) a fast-growing bloomer, is known for its showy star-shaped blossoms in various colors, including white, pink, green, red, peach, and burgundy. Their long and strappy leaves can grow up to 12-18 inches in length. Amaryllis thrives in moist soil and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it’s crucial to allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering. While Amaryllis can be grown outdoors during the summer, it’s essential to be mindful of the potential damage caused by excessive heat, which can lead to tall, stretchy stems. Additionally, it’s important to note that Amaryllis is toxic, so it’s crucial to keep it out of reach of pets and children.

Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) a slow-growing flowering quasi-succulent, is a generous giver. It blossoms regularly throughout the fall and winter. To thrive, ensure it receives its “blooming sleep” by providing low light conditions for at least 10 to 12 hours daily. It can grow up to 12-15 inches tall and boasts small star clusters in various colors, including white, yellow, red, white, orange, and pink. Pinch back spent flowers to make room for new blooms. Kalanchoe prefers temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It grows well in slightly moist soil, but allow it to dry between waterings to prevent rotting.

Enjoying the beauty of holiday blooms doesn’t have to end with the season. Take your newly acquired plant skills to the next level and relish your holiday plants throughout the year. After all, you’re a plant parent, and your plant is an integral part of your family.