When we think of Christmas, we immediately think of Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and magical characters, but we also quickly think of poinsettias. This plant, directly associated with Christmas, arrives in our stores around mid-November, just in time for holiday decorating. It will disappear along with the other ornaments. Traditionally, poinsettia rhymes with beautiful red flowers that give a punch to your Christmas decor, but more and more, we see poinsettias transforming and offering white, pink, and even blue, purple, or turquoise flowers with added glitter to perfectly match your decor style.
Caring for your poinsettia
Make sure to offer your poinsettia maximum light without direct sunlight. Avoid large temperature fluctuations, so place it away from heat sources or drafts. If you need to transport them, for example, as a gift, protect them in a plastic or paper sleeve.
Your poinsettia can stay beautiful for a long time if you take good care of it. After a few months, its bracts will lose their color and turn green like the leaves. It is possible to make it red again if you are very diligent. Your plant needs at least 14 hours of complete darkness each day for 8 to 10 weeks. Starting in mid-September, place your poinsettia in a closet when you return from work around 5 pm and take it out in the morning before leaving, around 8 am. If you do this every day without exception, you will see its beautiful colors appear just in time for the holidays!
What other plants to choose to enhance your Christmas decor?
Besides the poinsettia, which is certainly the most popular, other plants are available if you want to bloom your Christmas. Here are a few examples:
The Christmas cactus
The Christmas cactus will offer you beautiful flowers, most often red or pink, but sometimes yellow, from mid-December to mid-January. Some lucky ones will even have it in full bloom until March! To bloom, your Christmas cactus needs to be a little dry. Starting in mid-October, wait two to three weeks before watering it. When the flower buds appear, you can resume watering about once a week when the soil is dry. Place your cactus in a bright spot without too much direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
The cyclamen
As cyclamens bloom from September to May, they are often integrated into Christmas decorations. They are just as interesting for their beautiful red, pink, or pure white flowers as for their green leaves marbled with silver in the shape of rosettes. The cyclamen can be a bit capricious. It appreciates light but also coolness. The least heated room in your house will be perfect for it. If it's warm everywhere, you can put your plant in the garage overnight; it will be grateful and offer you a beautiful long-lasting bloom. Ideally, water from the saucer; the roots will absorb what they need. Don't leave the water in too long to avoid rot, 15 to 20 minutes is enough. Check the soil often, at least twice a week. It should remain moist without being soggy. Be attentive!
The Christmas Kalanchoe
A succulent plant with many small 4-petal flowers, the Kalanchoe appreciates short days. That's why it blooms in winter and is at its best during the holidays. Let the soil dry well between waterings and provide it with a temperate environment without excessive heat. To make it bloom again, give it the same treatment as your poinsettia: 14 hours of total darkness each day.
Our favorite for Amaryllis
Rather easy to grow, Amaryllis is a spectacular plant that leaves no one indifferent. The flowers emerging from these bulbs about 6 to 8 weeks after planting can be immense! The larger the bulb you choose, the bigger the flowers will be. The flowers will appear at the end of the flower stalk, which can measure up to 24 inches, and will remain in place for 2 to 3 weeks. There will be several successive blooms from the same bulb. Place your amaryllis in a well-lit spot, but away from direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist without soaking it.
How to plant an Amaryllis bulb
First, choose your Amaryllis. Several colors, shapes, and sizes are available in garden centers. Remember, the larger the bulb, the more impressive the flowers will be. Next, select your pot, which should be just slightly larger than the bulb. If it is not perforated, place a layer of gravel at the bottom before filling it with good tropical plant soil. We want to bury the bulb 2/3 of the way, the top third must absolutely come out of the soil and protrude from the pot. Water, and voilà, it's done, it's not more complicated. In 6 to 8 weeks, you should see your first flowers appear.
Make your Christmas bloom like never before! Visit the plants at your favorite Passion Jardins® retailer, you won't be disappointed. Running out of gift ideas for a friend, your child's teacher, or a host gift? Consider giving a Christmas plant; it will surely please!
Let's start gently preparing for the holidays! 🌟
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