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Purchasing Flowering Plants as Gifts |
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With the Christmas season rapidly approaching, [way too rapidly for some of us] I thought I'd give a few helpful hints on purchasing indoor plants for gifts or for making your home more cheerful.
Poinsettia plants are most likely the number one tropical purchased at this time, with the mixed arrangements of 'mumsettias' etc being another close favorite. Poinsettia can be a little temperamental about watering and temperature control. I prefer to purchase them at a location where I know they have been watered properly and preferably at a greenhouse or location where they have been locally grown if possible. They tend to drop their bracts (branches) if they have been neglected or become too cold in transporting. For that same reason it is a good idea to purchase them last, on the way home or to the location that you will be taking them. Placing them in a heated vehicle will also remove some of the stress if the weather is extremely cold, the less time in extreme cold the better. I have had my poinsettia last until I can put them outside when I purchase locally grown plants. You will also have better luck with a larger potted plant as the soil will not dry out as fast, small pots need to be watered very frequently or the poinsettia starts to get dry and shriveled leaves that will also drop off. They like bright indirect light, normal to cool room temp of 60-70 degrees and to be kept out of drafts and away from heat vents if possible.
Cyclamen are another of my favorite plants for gift giving, and receiving. They have a very exotic look and come in a lovely array of colors. They are fairly easy to look after if you know the trick. Because they are tuberous, and can easily get root rot from over watering at the base of the plant, it is a good idea to place them in another pot or on a saucer and water from the bottom. A few pebbles in the saucer work well also as they like the extra humidity of water in their tray. I have found they will keep producing more and more buds and flowers using this method. Cool temps also work well for these plants, 60-65 degrees works best, with bright indirect light if possible. They are fine placed in a window as our winter light is not intense.
African violets and florist gloxinia will do best treated in the same manner.
Azaleas are also an attractive choice. They will do well placed in a cool window and if kept cool and moist will usually bloom for up to 8 weeks. Choose a plant that has lots of buds left to open.
I hope this gives you some ideas and help when purchasing tropicals for the holiday season.
Seasons greetings from Lindi at Lake Country Greenhouses 2005-12 |
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