There's More to Holiday Plants Than Poinsettias

Perhaps you feel the traditional red poinsettia is more your grandmother's style than your style - perhaps you want a plant to enjoy beyond January 1st. Here are just a few of your options...

If you are looking for fairly traditional Christmas plants but with a slight nod to something unusual, I suggest you check out Cyclamen plants. Cyclamen have dark green heart shaped leaves which are topped with a butterfly shaped bloom.

Available in soft pink, deep pink, white and red, cyclamen prefer cooler rooms, making them perfect for New England's wintry days.

Care of Cyclamen is simple: place in bright, indirectly lit window, keep slightly moist (be sure not to over water and remember to discard drainage), remove any yellowed leaves and you will enjoy your plant until early spring. As Cyclamen are bulb plants, they can be allowed to rest for the summer and after replanting in the fall, they will rebloom next winter.

Everyone has heard of Zygo Cactus - or Christmas cactus.These stunning plants have vivid green, arching branches that consist of short jointed sections. These tropical plants, also need to be kept slightly moist (again, do not over water and drainage should be discarded.) Available in shades of pink and red, Christmas cactus are easy to propogate by simply removing a jointed section and placing the very tip in a small vial of water. These striking plants will rebloom easily from year to year.

Kalanchoe are a very popular succulant plant. Clusters of tiny, star-shaped blooms form where the thick green leaves sprout from the stem. Available in shades of pink, red and white, kalanchoe grow best in bright, indirectly lit window. Cool rooms do not seem to effect their brilliant blooms. Kalanchoe bloom throughout the year. As they are succulants, they store their water in their leaves. Allow soil to dry before watering.

Nothing on our list pique your interest? Do not worry, there's lots more to choose from . . . amaryllis and paper white narcissus are very popular bulb plants. Most often, paper whites are forced to bloom by being placed in a shallow dish filled with smooth, washed pebbles. You can keep your Paper Whites from becoming too leggy by adding 1/4 of vodka to the water. And think of interesting dinner conversation this tip will make!

Amaryllis is a dramatic plant, rising from a substanial bulb. Planted singularly in a heavy pot, a thick stalk will sprout from center of bulb and can rise to over 2 feet before blooming. Available in pink, red, white, several varigated color combinations as well as single and double bloom varieties, these plants are truly spectactular. Because amaryllis are bulb plants, be sure to not water too deeply as this will encourage crown rot. Water well early in the day and be sure to discard drainage.

Still can't find what you are interested in? perhaps you are looking for something with a holiday scent - don't worry there's more, but that will have to be another blog.