Giving Plants As Gifts

GIVING PLANTS AS GIFTS

Evidence exists that giving flowers has been a significant part of our culture since the Middle Ages.  Nowadays, thanks to multiple advancements, including air travel, we can include hundreds of living plants to the list, many of them that flower.

Flowering houseplants make a wonder gift,  brightening the home during the drab winter season.  Most of our flowering plants are from tropical countries around the world.  Sadly, even a short blast of winter cold is enough to send these beauties into a slow death spiral. The trick to success is get the plant safely to where it has to go, so they will thrive though the holiday season or for some plants, years to come.

Orchids and Poinsettia, both popular gifts are very sensitive to drafts and temperature fluctuations. It is important to get your plant home from the shop without damaging it. Cover the plant with plastic or a paper bag, then move it from the store to a warm spot in your car, not the cold  car trunk. Once home remove it immediately from the wrapping (which will now hold the cold)  and check the soil for moisture. When taking your gifts to their lucky recipient repeat the process. This care will avoid your orchids from dropping unopened blooms or your poinsettia from wilting away in just a few days.  If the cashier is busy, they will quickly move you along.  Step to the side and properly  cover the plants before leaving the store.

The final step to good plant giving is supplying proper plant care information. The instructions on the tag are basic and can be easily supplemented.  If you have a good houseplant book make a copy of the plant care page for your gift. If you don't have a book it is easy to find information and print it from the internet.  Now your receiver not only knows sunlight and water requirements, but also knows where your plant comes from and how to propagate it. 

Merry Holidays,   James

Caring for Poinsettia

Tis the season. Garden shops and department stores are full of Poinsettias for sale. It is hard to go anywhere without passing a bright display of this holiday favorite.

With tender loving care this tropical plant, native to Mexico,  will thrive well past 'Three Kings Day', January 6th.

First choose a healthy plant. Drooping leaves can be a sign of problems: exposure to cold, overwatering or lack of sunlight. The small yellow 'flowers' in the center should be bright and closed or partly opened. Dropped yellow 'flowers' indicate over-maturity and should be avoided.

Poinsettia are very sensitive to drafts and temperature fluctuations, therefore it is important to get your plant home from the shop without damaging it. Cover the plant with plastic or a paper bag, then move it from the store to a warm spot in your car, not the trunk. Once home remove it immediately from the wrapping and check the soil for moisture. 

Over-watering is a major problem for Poinsettia causing leaves to droop and roots to rot. Sticking your finger into the top inch of soil is the best way to tell if it needs watering.  If dry to touch, water the plant. If soil sticks to your finger, do not water. The colorful foil doesn't allow water to drain out. Poke a few holes in the bottom to permit drainage.

Poinsettia like bright light. If you have it displayed in a shady area, move it to a bright spot whenever possible, but not direct sunlight.

Keep your new plant safe from children & pets as the leaves are toxic. For more information see Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Fact Sheet #449 "Caring for your Poinsettia" 

Happy Gardening.