Holding onto Holiday Plants

Some plants are readily given and used as decorations for holidays. More often than not, they are left to die and be thrown away when the season has come to an end. The plants each have a unique personality and set of needs, but with a little care and love they can survive for far beyond the expected weeks. In some cases, they can thrive for years. Here is some information and care hints that can help you extend the lives of your holiday plants.

Poinsettias should get a spot near a nice sunny window. However, it is important not to let the plant actually touch the glass. Do not let the soil dry out completely or stay soaking wet. It is best to water when the soil is dry to the touch. To retain your poinsettia for another season, or even two, it can be done. When the leaves begin to fall off simply stop watering the plant and store the pot in a cool dry place. When the weather begins to warm up trim the stems back to around six inches and begin to water the plant again. Keeping the stems pinched back as new leaves begin to appear will result in a nice, compact plant. In early October through the beginning of blooming, place the plant in a dark closet for around 12 hours a day. Make sure the plant is in a sunny window for the other 12 hours.

Easter Lilies should be placed in a window or alcove with northern exposure. Water your lily when the soil becomes dry, making sure that the water reaches all the way to the bottom of the plant's container. I recommend pinching the yellow anthers inside each of the trumpets shaped flowers as soon as they arrive. You also need to remove each blossom as soon as it begins to fade. When the plant has died down do not get rid of it, simply cut off the stems and store. When the weather begins to warm up again, it is time to plant the base of the lily in a nice sunny spot of your yard or garden. You can now enjoy your Easter lily for years to come.

Tulips and hyacinths are popular gifts around Easter and Mother's Day. To keep these plants looking nice for the season, you should place them in a cool room with eastern exposure. Be certain to water them daily and do not let them dry out or become too warm. To keep these beautiful plants around for years to come, simply plant the bulbs outdoors when the weather allows.

Hydrangeas are another spring time gift that you can save. Put your potted hydrangea in a window with northern exposure after it is finished blooming. Remember to water the plant daily. It is best to cut back the stems all the way down to the pot when the plant has faded. When the weather warms, plant the hydrangea in a nice sunny spot, pot and all so that you can bring it back indoors in the fall. When the temperature starts to drop, bring the plant back inside and cut it back again, watering daily.

Chrysanthemums are a common fall or housewarming gift, at least in my family. Place your mum in a sunny window, watering daily. Keep the pot fairly close to the window since mums prefer cooler temperatures. When the weather starts to warm up, and the threat of frost has past, cut the foliage way down and plant the mum in a sunny spot in your yard or garden. Remember to trim your planted mum down around Memorial and Labor Day every year otherwise the planted mum can get out of control. My hardy mums easily grow too heavy to support their own weight when wet if not trimmed.

Azaleas should be placed in a sunny window in temperatures between fifty five and sixty five degrees if possible. Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist. Spray the foliage lightly with water a few times a week to increase the humidity for the plant. When the flowers have disappeared, it is time to sink the pots into your yard or garden in a semi-shaded area. Come early fall, before the firsts threat of frost, it is best to bring them back indoors.

Cyclamen should be placed in a sunny window in an area with a daily temperature around 70 degrees and an overnight temperature around fifty five degrees. To water a cyclamen it is best to submerge the entire pot in a bucket half full of room temperature water for a few minutes. Let the plant drain for a few minutes before returning it to its spot by the window. The plant will even tell you when it is time to water because the leaves will turn over when the plant is ready for water. In the summer put you cyclamen on the patio in a sunny spot, returning the plant indoors in the fall.