Orchids( Phalaenopsis and Others)
Once considered exotic, orchids— especially the moth orchid( Phalaenopsis)— have become one of the most popular gift plants. Their graceful flower spikes can bloom for months.
Light: Bright, indirect light, ideally an east-facing window.
Watering: Water once a week, and discard excess water.
Humidity: Keep humidity high by placing the pot on a tray of pebbles and water.
Reblooming: After the flowers fade, cut the flower spike back to a node to encourage a side shoot, or remove it entirely to allow the plant to rest. With proper care, orchids will rebloom once a year.
I believe that gift plants are treasures, bringing beauty and joy into our homes during special seasons. With a bit of attention and care, many can reward us with weeks, months, or even years of enjoyment. When their time is done, we can appreciate them for the happiness they brought, just as we would a bouquet of flowers.
Gerald Filipski— Jerry, more commonly— has been the gardening columnist for the Edmonton Journal for over thirty-five years and has appeared in the Calgary Herald and other Canadian publications. Jerry has also authored Just Ask Jerry: Good Answers to Tough Canadian Gardening Questions.
Cyclamen( Cyclamen persicum)
Cyclamen brighten winter months with butterflylike flowers in shades of pink, white, and red.
Light: Bright, indirect light.
Watering: Bottom water when the soil is dry and avoid wetting the crown of the plant to prevent rot.
Temperature: Cool temperatures will lengthen the blooming period.
Dormancy: Cyclamen naturally go dormant after flowering. The leaves yellow and die back, but the tuber can be kept dry in a cool spot, then restarted in the fall.
General Care for Gift Plants
While each plant has its own quirks, a few general principles apply.
• Remove or puncture foil wraps so water can drain.
• Avoid drafts such as heating vents, fireplaces, and cold windows, which can shorten a plant’ s life.
• Fertilize sparingly while in bloom. After blooming, use a weak, balanced fertilizer.
• Set realistic expectations, as some plants are bred for short-term enjoyment rather than longevity.
WINTER 2025 | 13