Chase away the winter blues by adding a pop of color and freshness of living plants. The floral experts at VanderSalm’s have put together a Q&A that can help you take care of the winter plants and assure they stay looking good–whether you keep them indoors or you plan to transfer them outdoors.
What are the Top Plants That Thrive In Winter?
Cyclamen Basket
This is a hard question to answer–there are actually more plants that thrive in winter than you may think, especially if you are keeping them indoors. Succulents are an excellent choice, as long as you keep the temperature relatively warm, and they get some sunlight. Cyclamens are another popular option. Offering striking foliage plus bright flowers, this naturally cool-weather flower works well on screened-in porches or indoors.
How Often Should I Water My Christmas Cactus?
Christmas Cactus – Pink
One thing about the Christmas Cactus that surprises many people is that it is actually not a cactus, but instead a succulent that is native to the tropics. If you purchase a Christmas Cactus from a florist for the holidays it will probably be in bloom already, but if you want to get it to bloom for Christmas yourself you’ll need to follow a strict watering/light schedule. An already-blooming plant is fairly easy to care for; you only need to water if the sand is 100% completely dry. Do not water until this is the case or it will lead to overwatering.
Are Amaryllis Plants Poisonous to Cats and Dogs?
Amaryllis Plant
While beautiful, Amaryllis plants are poisonous to cats and dogs so they do not make good gifts for households that have pets. A much better gift would be roses, for example, that are safe around cats and dogs. There are many other choices too–talk to a knowledgeable florist about other options that work well in a household with pets.
How Do You Take Care of a Poinsettia Plant?
Poinsettia Garden Basket with Bow
Poinsettias like bright, indirect sunlight. They are also sensitive to extreme changes in temperature. Keep them away from the door or windows that will be opened and closed as well as heating vents. A daytime temperature of around 65 degrees is ideal. Water the plant when the soil is dry, not before or you risk overwatering and having the plant become mildewed. You should not need to fertilize and may only need to cut back after the holiday season if the plant starts to crowd out its planter.
As always, if you have any questions about your plants, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at VanderSalm’s Flower Shop and Garden Center. We look forward to helping you give the gift of flowers in winter and all year long.
