How to Care for Holiday Plants

In the bleak midwinter – or what passes for it here in Northeast Florida – perhaps nothing signifies a southern Christmas more than the vibrant seasonal plants we bring into our homes. Poinsettias, in all shapes and colors; the heraldic trumpets of amaryllis; paperwhite narcissus's stalks of pure white stars; and the equally festive Christmas cactus in all shades of pink, red, purple, orange and white.

One benefit of living in the northern subtropics is the fact that these plants are quite capable of acclimating to your landscape beds or patio pots – provided, of course, that they're afforded the proper care. Here are some generalized horticultural care instructions for a few of the most popular plants you may host in your home this holiday season. Be sure to contact your local garden center with any other seasonal questions.

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Poinsettia

Euphorbia pulcherrima

Trim back the blooms as they fade. These "blooms" are actually true leaves, with the flowers being the little yellow inflorescences in the middle of the colored bracts. When ready to re-plant (either in pots or directly into the ground), trim the whole plant back halfway. Provide a sunny location, protected from wind and frost. Keep soil evenly moist and fertilize regularly until the end of September. Here in Florida the plant should start coloring up on its own in early winter without special treatment.

Amaryllis

Hippeastrum x hybridum

Once the blooms have faded, cut the stem to about one inch above the bulb. Re-pot the bulb, taking care to trim off rotted or dried roots as well as any yellowed foliage. Bulbs generally prefer a close fit, so a new pot an inch or so larger than what it was in previously would be best. Use a well-drained soil mix and a balanced fertilizer with added bone meal. Keep evenly moist but not overly wet. Consider sinking your pots in the ground, in a tucked away spot, where you can keep an eye on their progress. These bulbs naturalize beautifully if planted directly into the landscape, so choose an area with full morning sun and let them multiply away.

Christmas Cactus

Schlumbergera x buckleyi

If in a plastic pot, consider re-potting into terra cotta for better drainage, using a soil mix especially for cacti and succulents. Let dry between waterings, making sure the pot never sits in a puddle. Use a water-soluble fertilizer (preferably half-strength) once in the spring and again in midsummer. Provide a half-day of bright filtered light. Or simply leave the pots outside under a deck, which is our tried-and-true technique – as we often forget about them until some color is spotted just after Thanksgiving.

Paperwhite Narcissus

Narcissus papyraceus

Follow the previous instructions for amaryllis except let the paperwhites' foliage die down before cutting the stems to the ground. Narcissus will also naturalize, but they may resort to blooming every other year, so patience may be required. Or start with fresh bulbs next year and allow them to alternate themselves.