The holiday season is in full swing and what better way to add some festive charm than with plant gifts! Bright poinsettias, colorful Christmas cacti, and fresh-scented mini Juniper trees can be gifts that keep on giving even beyond the holidays. Below are some tips on keeping your holiday plants flourishing into the new year.
Nothing symbolizes the holiday season quite like the vivid colors of poinsettias, especially the ruby-red variety. These classic holiday plants make for a wonderful present that can brighten any home for the season. With some tender love and care, poinsettias can bloom beyond the holidays.
- Native to southern Mexico, poinsettias love high humidity and sunshine which makes Florida the ideal place for them in or out of the home.
- Keep your plant in bright, indirect light.
- When the soil feels dry to the touch, water the poinsettia thoroughly. Keep the soil moist, but be careful to not overwater. Be sure to discard excess water in the plant saucer.
- Keep poinsettias away from hot or cold drafts.
- Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not poisonous to humans! However, they are toxic to furry friends so be sure to keep the plant out of reach of curious pets.
With its bright blooms and easy-maintenance care, a Christmas cactus is a way to spread holiday cheer to your loved ones who love cacti plants.
- Native to Brazilian tropical rainforests, these cacti thrive in humid environments.
- Keep your Christmas cactus in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun could potentially bleach its leaves.
- Water these cacti when the soil dries out a few inches into the soil. Soak the soil until the water runs through the drainage holes.
- Christmas cacti grow well in potting mixes made for succulents with a pH level between 5.5 to 6.2. It is important that the soil drains well!
- To encourage branching and more flowers, prune the leaves every now and then.
A gift for your coworker’s desk or a festive touch for your coffee table, a mini blue point juniper tree is a perfect festive addition to any space. You can plant this small shrub outside the home to keep growing all year long!
- This tiny tree loves the light, so keep it in full sun. It can also grow in partial shade, but be sure it gets at least a few hours of direct sunlight to help keep its rich color.
- Water your juniper when the top 2 inches of soil have dried out. Water regularly, but avoid wetting the foliage.
- If you choose to plant your little one in your garden, and once it has taken root, watering can decrease as these plants can withstand a long time without water.
- If ingested, the needles and stems of junipers can make your pet pals sick, so be sure to keep the plant out of reach of furry friends.
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