The holidays are fast approaching and the selection of festive plants at local shops is multiplying just as quickly. When I happened upon a Home Depot over the weekend, I was blinded by all the vivid shades of colour radiating from the flowering plants. Almost every type of holiday plant that you can think of was available for purchase. It’s a wonder I didn’t bring home half a dozen new specimens. Amazingly enough I didn’t buy one single thing that day, not one. And even more amazing is the fact that I’ve only picked up two Amaryllis bulbs, and nothing more, in the entire month of November, the month that launches this eye-catching extravaganza. However, I can’t promise that I’ll have self-control through the rest of the season; it’s asking too much of this humble plant lover.

The vast supply of holiday plants comes in very handy this time of the year because all those seasonal beauties make wonderful presents. What better gift to offer a host or hostess than a blooming Poinsettia with its pot wrapped in shiny gift paper, a decorative gift box containing a ready-to-grow Amaryllis bulb that will produce a spectacular floral display, or a wicker basket overflowing with long-lasting plants such as Azalea, Cyclamen and Christmas Cactus? And what better way to brighten up someone’s home than with the frenzy of colour produced by the dainty, vibrant flowers of a Kalanchoe?

Holiday plants bring nature indoors, adorning homes with their scent and colour. They are a wonderful addition to holiday decorating, gracing dinner tables, fireplace mantles and kitchen counters. They are especially welcome by people living in northern areas where the winters are long and gloomy, where the outdoors is barren of vegetation for many months and where outdoor gardeners turn to indoor plants to keep their favourite pastime alive.

Below is a list of traditional holiday plants that are as fun to give as they are to receive. And the information attached to each will answer three of the most commonly-asked questions by recipients: “How do I care for this plant?”, “Can I make it bloom again?” and “Do I dispose of it after the holidays?” You’ll find that including care instructions with your gift plant is not only a considerate gesture but something that will be greatly appreciated.


Amaryllis – Bold and Beautiful

What says Christmas better than an Amaryllis, a plant that puts on one of the most dramatic flower displays you will ever have the pleasure of witnessing. With proper care, this lovely bloomer will boast those dazzling blooms the first year you own it and every year after that. And if you really pamper it, the bulb may even divide and multiply, leaving you with more bulbs to enjoy.

Plant the bulb up to its neck in a well-draining medium, leaving 1/3 to 1/4 of the top exposed. Water thoroughly and set the plant in a bright, indirect spot where temperatures range between 21°C (70°F) to 23°C (75°F). Do not water again until you see obvious signs of growth, then water thoroughly when necessary, keeping the soil moderately moist. Never allow the medium to dry out completely. Be careful of over-watering, which will rot the bulb. The flower stalk is usually the first to appear but it’s not unusual for leaves to emerge before and even during the initial stage. As a general rule, the period from potting to flowering takes between 7 – 10 weeks.

And once the blooming period is over, there’s no need to throw out that bulb. With the right care, you can get your Amaryllis to bloom again next year. It may even be worth your while to keep that Amaryllis bulb instead of throwing it out every year because the longer you have your Amaryllis bulb, the bigger it will get and the more flowers it will produce. For those reasons alone, it’s worth keeping it around.

For more information: The Bold And The Beautiful Amaryllis


Azalea – Cool and Colourful

Aristocrats of indoor bloomers, Azaleas provide a mass of flowers that can be white, red, orange, pink, purple, salmon, freckled, variegated, bicoloured or white with coloured edges. This wealthy creation of subtle and vibrant eye-catching shades bursts forward from blooms that are single or double and often crinkled at the edges, accompanied by thick, glossy, oval leaves that grow on a woody stem. The striking foliage of this potted plant makes it an attractive specimen even when it’s not in bloom.

Azaleas like it cool; ideally, temperatures should not exceed 18°C (65°F) during the day and night temperatures should linger between 7°C (45°F) – 12°C (55°F). Keep the soil moist at all times; never allow this plant to dry out completely. Under-watering leads to premature dropping of buds, flowers and even leaves. Place the plant in a location that provides bright, indirect light; a shady location and cool temperatures are required to encourage and extend the flowering period. Provide plenty of humidity; plants grown in areas where the air is very dry do not perform well and they are prone to spider mite attacks.

Azaleas are usually treated as temporary plants and discarded after the blooming period has come and gone. But that need not be the case with these beauties. With a little tender loving care, Azaleas will flourish for years, rewarding you for several weeks at a time with plenty of lovely flowers to grace your home.

For more information: Some Like It Cool – Azalea


Christmas Cactus - A Majestic Heirloom

Possibly the second most popular plant during the holiday season, the Christmas Cactus makes an elegant statement with its majestic display of flowers in shades of pink, white, red, violet, yellow, salmon, fuchsia or combinations of these colours. These much-loved plants are a wonderful seasonal decoration on a mantle, windowsill or countertop in your home when in bloom and striking foliage plants for the remainder of the year.

Since its natural home is a forest, this cactus is not quite as drought-tolerant as its desert kin, and although as a succulent it can store water, it needs to be kept evenly moist during the growing period in above average humidity levels of 50 – 60 percent. When the flowers have faded, allow the plant a much-needed rest by placing it in a cooler area and minimizing water for about six weeks. When new growth appears, resume regular watering and keep it evenly moist. When buds form in autumn, water just enough to keep the plant from shriveling. Increase water to normal levels while the plant is flowering.

Although low light can be tolerated, this plant prefers to be placed near a window where it can receive bright, indirect light. The morning sun of an eastern location is welcome but the plant must be protected against midday sun, especially during the warmer months of the year.

Sadly, many of these long-lasting plants are discarded as soon as the flowering period ends. A well cared for Christmas Cactus can bloom heavily year after year with proper care, and thrive for decades, possibly outliving its caretaker.

For more information: Christmas Cactus - From Tomb To Heirloom


Cyclamen – A Cyclical Beauty

No more than 12 inches tall - with flowers resembling butterflies with their wings closed floating over heart-shaped, dark green leaves beautifully marked with silver patterns - this little bloomer is one of the most remarkable holiday plants on the market. It may be small in size but it demands attention with delicate flowers available in shades of white, pink, red and lavender.

Provide your plant with bright light and protect against midday sun, which can damage the delicate leaves. A north or east-facing window is ideal and there’ll be no objection to the subtle and brief morning sun of an eastern windowsill. Like the Azalea, a Cyclamen prefers a cool spot - no warmer than 20°C (68°F) during the day and a cooling down to 12°C (55°F) or even 10°C (50°F) at night. Keep the potting medium moderately moist and never allow it to dry out completely. It’s recommended to water only from below to avoid pouring water directly on the plant’s tuber, leaves and flowers; immerse the pot in a shallow container with tepid water until the soil is moist. Provide above average humidity for optimal health.

Most of these hearty bloomers are treated as temporary plants and discarded as soon as the flowers fade. But they can be persuaded to bloom every single year after a period of rest. Cyclamen follow a routine cycle – from dormancy to full bloom – throughout each year. The schedule that they follow is an advantage. Once you understand it and allow your plant to go through it, you’ll be able to easily encourage yearly blooms.

For more information: Recycling A Cyclical Cyclamen


Hyacinth – A Reminder Of Spring

With their highly fragrant, tubular and attractive flowers Hyacinths are an indoor favourite. Blooms typically come in shades of pink, blue and white but are also available in red, orange and yellow. The powerful, alluring scent, which is a reminder of spring, can fill an entire room. Easy to grow, Hyacinths are the perfect way to brighten up a home during the darkest days of winter with their brilliantly-coloured flowers.

When November arrives, you will find Hyacinth kits available at many retail stores that come complete with a transparent glass vase, a bulb and step-by-step instructions. You can pick up one of these ready-to-grow packages or you can buy individual bulbs and grow them in your own preferred glass containers by following the directions below.

Use a jar with an hour-glass shape that is specially-made for Hyacinth, or choose any transparent container with a narrow opening that will hold the bulb in place in the upper area, keeping it above water. Place the bulb’s pointy side up, fill the container with water until it reaches the bottom of the bulb; make sure that the water does not touch the bulb to prevent it from rotting. Place the whole setup in a cool, dark area – a refrigerator or an unheated garage or basement - where temperatures range between 5°C (41°F) - 10°C (50°F). Check the water level weekly and replenish when necessary. After 10 – 12 weeks roots will have filled the jar and the Hyacinth bud will have grown about 8 centimeters (3 inches) out of the bulb. Remove the setup from the cooler area and place it in a bright location where the temperature is about 20°C (68°F). Enjoy.

Hyacinths forced in water are depleted of energy and will never bloom again. Discard the bulb after it has finished blooming.


Kalanchoe – A Vibrant Splash Of Colour

This pretty plant boasts a variety of flower colours in vivid shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, white and purple that last for weeks, even months. Pronounced Kal-an-CHOH-ee or Kal-an-KO-ee, this is the perfect choice if you’re searching for a plant that will make a nice gift – or one that will add a splash of colour to your own bright windowsill. Even between blooming periods, Kalanchoe makes a great foliage plant with its waxy, dark green, fleshy leaves. On top of everything else, it’s easy to care for; perhaps that’s one of the reasons it’s snatched up so quickly when it arrive at local stores.

Allow the soil to dry out considerably and then water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage holes. Although Kalanchoe does not want to be kept constantly moist like some tropical plants, it should not be kept dry for very long periods like you would with a cactus. Almost any light level will be tolerated but bright light and even full sun is preferred. Providing at least four hours of direct (early morning or late day) sun each day, which is essential for flowering, and indirect sunlight for the remainder is ideal. Warm, dry conditions are tolerated well by this succulent. A night temperature from 16°C (60°F) to 18°C (65°F) is recommended, with slightly higher levels during the day between 18°C (65°F) and 24°C (75°F).

Kalanchoe is usually treated as a temporary plant and discarded when the blooming period is over but it can be kept for many years if a few cultural requirements are met. And although getting it to bloom again is not easy, it’s also not impossible. If you’re willing to pamper it, a Kalanchoe can continue to look great and reward you with a new set of buds every year.

For more information: The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - Kalanchoe


Paperwhite Narcissus – A Fragrant Floral Display

Like Hyacinth, growing Paperwhite Narcissus indoors fills the dreary days of winter with fragrance and colour. Clusters of pretty, white flowers sit on top of tall, slender stems that rise up from one of the easiest bulbs to grow. Ready-to-grow kits are available as early as the first week of November, and if timed properly, you can have a beautiful floral display just in time for the holidays. You may also pick up individual bulbs and use a preferred container. Follow the instructions below.

Paperwhites are so eager to get going that they’ll grow in almost anything; all you need to do is add water. Once you’ve selected a favoured container, add a thick layer of pebbles at the bottom for a nice visual touch (you can also use river rocks, marbles, shiny glass stones, colourful crystals or clay pellets). Place the bulbs close together on the surface and add more pebbles around the bulbs to anchor them. Pour some water into the container until it reaches just below the base of the bulbs. Place the container in a warm, bright spot and check the water level regularly; replenish as needed. Within four to six weeks the plants will be in full bloom.

Paperwhites that have been forced usually don’t bloom again so discard the bulbs after the flowering period is over.


Poinsettia – A Time-Honoured Classic

Poinsettias are the most popular of the holiday plants and one of the most delightful decorations at Christmas. They grace dinner tables, fireplace mantles and tabletops. They are given and received as gifts by family and friends who gather together to share the season’s celebrations. These time-honoured classics can retain their beautiful display for weeks if not months inside your home. The longevity of your plant’s attractiveness and its ability to last through the Christmas season and beyond will depend mainly on what type of care you provide.

Your holiday plant loves high levels of light, so find a spot for it near a sunny window, which will provide at least six hours per day of indirect sunlight. The more light it receives, the longer it will last indoors. Keep your Poinsettia away from hot or cold drafts caused by radiators, air conditioners or open doors and windows. Place it in a warm room with average household temperatures. Keep the soil moderately moist; Poinsettias are susceptible to rot from over watering but they will also shed a great number of leaves if chronically under watered.

Most Poinsettias are treated as temporary gift plants and kicked to the curb once the bracts begin to age and the aesthetical appeal is lost. But Poinsettias are far from being temporary. They can be kept for a long time as an attractive foliage plant and - with proper care, dedication and a little luck - be encouraged to re-bloom for the next year’s holiday season.

For more information: The Time-Honored Poinsettia




Now that you’re equipped with care instructions for eight of the most popular holiday plants, why not brighten someone’s day this holiday season by showing up with one of them at a family get-together or company Christmas party? ‘Tis the season, after all, for giving.


Note: Before you give a holiday plant as a gift, check whether or not it is toxic, especially if the recipient has young children or pets.

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