Talking Plants

Jillian Patrie | University of Minnesota Yard and Garden Extension

The holiday months are here and are filled with decorating, baking and visiting friends and family.  Fresh holiday decor is often gifted or brought in to brighten up a room.  Poinsettia, Holiday cacti, Norfolk pine & amaryllis are the most common houseplant decor this time of year.  These are not common houseplants for most and can be a bit tricky to care for.  Let’s take a look at how we can keep these holiday plants happy and festive through the coming months.
Poinsettia around the holidays is as iconic as tulips in the spring, but they don’t always look as happy at home as they do in the store.  We see poinsettias at their best during the winter months because much like mums they turn vibrant colors and bloom when the days become shorter.  Poinsettia enjoy bright direct sunlight, place them in a south, east or west facing window
for best light conditions.  They prefer temperatures 65-70 F, and locations where temperatures fluctuate or may dry them out (heat vents, fireplaces, fans, etc.) should be avoided.  The soil must be kept moist, water when the top of the soil feels dry, do not let poinsettia dry out to the point of wilting.  Allow soil to drain after watering and do not let poinsettia sit in water.   Poinsettia leaves (or bracts) will turn green when the days get longer in the spring and summer months.  For more information on poinsettia care visit https://extension.umn.edu/houseplants/poinsettia.
Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii), and Easter cactus (Schlumbergera gaertneri) are the three types of holiday cacti that we see in stores during the winter months.  They each produce flowers when the days are short, and nights are cool.  Many holiday cactus have been passed down over the years and cuttings may originate from 100+ year old “mother” plants.  Unlike traditional cactus, holiday cactus prefers humidity and come from rainforest environments and enjoy bright, filtered light and moist soils.  As with all houseplants, containers should have drainage holes to avoid overwatering, root rot is the number one issue with holiday cacti.  Locations where they receive bright light, and the temperature is cool are best for blooming.  Daytime temperatures should be 65-70͑℉ and nighttime temperatures should be 55-65℉.  Flowering can stop when holiday cacti are exposed to sudden changes in temperature, humidity levels and light exposure.  For more information on growing holiday cacti visit https://extension.umn.edu/houseplants/holiday-cacti.
Amaryllis bulbs are another holiday plant tradition that are given as gifts.  Though amaryllis are commonly grown as an outdoor bulb, we see them most around the holidays as indoor plants.  They do not require a rest period to bloom again, however amaryllis bulbs we find in the stores are usually dormant.  Once they are exposed to light, water and warm temperatures they will start to grow.  Amaryllis can be kept as a year-round houseplant or placed outside in the summer months.
For more information on growing amaryllis bulbs visit https://extension.umn.edu/houseplants/amaryllis.
Finally, Norfolk pine, which resembles a miniature holiday tree that can be decorated.  Norfolk pines are smooth to the touch and make perfect holiday plant decorations.  They are not a true pine, but a type of conifer that has been around a long time.  Its natural habitat is in the southern hemisphere and make fun houseplants in Northern climates.  Norfolk pine enjoy bright light and a south facing window.  They also prefer well drained soils and do not like to be overwatered.  Humidity is important when caring for Norfolk pine and can be a challenge in the winter months.  Use a mister or place them in a high humidity area for better success. For more information on Norfolk pines visit https://northerngardener.org/plant-profile-norfolk-island-pines/.
For questions about this article or local assistance please contact Local Clay County Extension Educator Jill Patrie at 218-299-7338 or by email at patri350@umn.edu.