Continuing Education and
Communication Services
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
11/26/01
Contacts:
Richard Jauron, Horticulture Extension, (515) 294-1871, rjauron@iastate.edu
Del Marks, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-9807,
delmarks@iastate.edu
Yard and Garden Column for the Week Beginning Nov. 30
Selection and Care of Holiday Plants
By Richard Jauron
Extension horticulturist
Iowa State University Extension
While the poinsettia is the traditional plant of the Christmas season,
the holiday cactus, cyclamen and Norfolk Island pine also are excellent
holiday plants. Regardless of which plant you choose, careful selection
and proper care should ensure enjoyment during the holiday season.
Poinsettia
Poinsettias are available in red, pink, white and gold. There also are
variegated and marbled poinsettias. Modern varieties are compact, durable
and hold their bracts for several weeks. Select plants with dark green
foliage and well-colored bracts. The flowers should be producing little
or no pollen. (The colorful bracts actually are modified leaves. The true
flowers are green to yellow, button-like objects located in the center
of each whorl of bracts.) Avoid poinsettias with wilted foliage, few or
no lower leaves, or broken stems.
Before venturing outside, place the poinsettia in a plant sleeve or carefully
wrap it to prevent exposure to cold temperatures. Exposure to freezing
temperatures, even for a brief moment, may cause the bracts and leaves
to blacken and drop. As soon as you get home, unwrap the plant and place
it near a sunny window or other well-lighted area. Keep the poinsettia
away from cold drafts or heat sources. Poinsettias prefer temperatures
between 60 and 70 degrees F.
Moisture needs can be determined by checking the potting soil daily with
your finger. When the soil becomes dry to the touch, water the plant until
it freely flows out the bottom of the pot. If the pot is wrapped in decorative
foil, punch a hole in the foil at the bottom of the pot for water drainage
and place a saucer underneath the pot. Discard the excess water that drains
into the saucer. Today, many florists use molded plastic pot covers rather
than foil. When watering these plants, carefully remove the poinsettia
from the pot covering, water the plant in the sink, then drop it back
into the molded pot cover. Both over- and underwatering cause problems
for poinsettias. When overwatered, the poinsettia’s lower leaves
turn yellow and drop off. Many overwatered plants develop root rots and
die. Dry plants wilt and also lose leaves.
Holiday Cactus
Holiday cacti, which includes the Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus
and numerous hybrids, are easy to grow, long-lived plants. Cultivars of
holiday cacti are available in shades of white, orange, pink, red and
purple.
Carefully wrap holiday cacti when transporting them outdoors in winter. Exposure to cold temperatures may damage the plants or cause the flower buds to drop off. Indoors, holiday cacti prefer bright, indirect light, temperatures of 60 to 70 degrees F and an evenly moist soil during flowering.
After flowering, place plants in a slightly cooler area and water less
frequently. The plants should be kept on the dry side during the remainder
of the winter. Water the plants more frequently during their active growth
period from spring through summer. Also, fertilize holiday cacti approximately
once a month during the growing season.
Flowering of holiday cacti is controlled by temperature and daylength.
In the fall, place the plants in a cool location (50 to 65 degrees F)
which receives only natural daylight. Good, consistent care is especially
important during flower bud development. Moving plants from one location
to another, drafts, and excessive watering during flower formation may
cause the buds to drop off the plants.
Cyclamen
The cyclamen is the ideal flowering plant for a cool environment. The
distinctive plant has dark green, heart-shaped leaves with silver markings.
The flowers, produced on long stems held above the foliage, point downward
and somewhat resemble badminton shuttlecocks or "birdies." Flower
colors are available in shades of white, pink and red.
Select healthy, dark green plants which have just begun to flower. A
check beneath the leaf canopy will reveal the number of unopened buds.
The cyclamen should be placed in a sunny, cool location. A temperature
of 50 to 65 degrees F is ideal. Keep the soil moist, but avoid getting
water in the crown of the plant as it may promote rotting. Fertilize the
plant every two weeks while in bloom. When given proper care, individual
flowers may last three to four weeks and plants may bloom continuously
for several months.
Norfolk Island Pine
The Norfolk Island pine is a popular evergreen houseplant. It also makes an attractive living Christmas tree when decorated with miniature lights and ornaments.
The Norfolk Island pine should be placed in bright, indirect light with
temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees F. Keep the soil evenly moist.
Low relative humidity levels, insufficient light, or infrequent watering
may induce browning of branch tips and lead to the loss of the lower branches.
Plants add warmth and charm to the home during the holidays. With careful
selection and proper care, these plants should remain attractive at through
the December holidays, New Year’s and beyond.
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ml: isugarden
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