GARDENING
Caring for Gift Plants
Gerald Filipski
Holidays and special occasions seem to bring an influx of plants into our homes.
Whether it’ s a brilliant red poinsettia at Christmas, a pastel azalea for Easter, or a graceful orchid for Mother’ s Day, gift plants are symbols of celebration, generosity, and beauty. Yet these can fade quickly once the season passes, leaving gardeners wondering if they were meant to be temporary decorations rather than lasting companions.
The truth lies somewhere in between. While some gift plants are grown and sold for short-term enjoyment, with proper care, many can thrive long after their moment in the spotlight. The secret is knowing what each plant needs and adjusting our expectations.
Poinsettias( Euphorbia pulcherrima)
Perhaps no plant is more synonymous with Christmas than the poinsettia. Those bold red, white, or pink bracts( the coloured leaves surrounding the true flowers) instantly brighten winter homes.
Light: Bright, indirect sunlight, like a south or west-facing window, but avoid harsh midday rays.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, discarding excess water.
Temperature: Warm days( 18 – 22 ° C) and cooler nights( 15 – 17 ° C), avoiding drafts, heating vents, and cold windows.
After the Holidays: Cut back the plant to 15 cm, place it outdoors after frost, and fertilize lightly. In the fall, bring it back inside and encourage reblooming by providing 14 – 16 hours of complete darkness each night.
Azaleas( Rhododendron)
Azaleas are often sold in bloom around Easter and Mother’ s Day. Their clusters of pink, red, or white flowers are stunning.
Light: Bright, cool spot with indirect sunlight.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist with distilled water( avoid hard tap water), and discard excess water.
Temperature: Cooler conditions, ideally 10 – 15 ° C at night.
Long-Term Care: Gift azaleas are usually greenhouse-grown florists’ varieties and are not hardy enough to survive a winter outdoors, but you can move their pot outdoors after the last frost or keep them indoors. Prune lightly after blooming and re-pot in acidic soil.
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