HOUSEPLANTS AS GIFTS*
If you are searching for a houseplant to give as a gift this season you can't go wrong with a 'croton'.
Crotons (Codiaeum) have very colorful leaves which can brighten any winter day. With basic care these colorful houseplants will easily survive for years in a sunny window. A few hours of sunlight is the key to maintaining the best color on the leaves. Red, yellow, pink and green are often on the same leaf with no two leaves identical.
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Crotons (Codiaeum) have very colorful leaves which can brighten any winter day. With basic care these colorful houseplants will easily survive for years in a sunny window. A few hours of sunlight is the key to maintaining the best color on the leaves. Red, yellow, pink and green are often on the same leaf with no two leaves identical.
When giving a houseplant as a gift it is important to consider its new home. If the recipient often says "I kill every plant I get" give them a plant that is easy to care for such as a Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera). Blooming during the holiday season these tropical plants are very easy to keep alive. The key to bringing this plant into flower every year is natural sunlight. As the days get shorter it triggers these plants to develop their flowers.
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| Proper care and natural sunlight are all the Christmas cactus require to trigger its annual bloom cycle. |
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 new home repeat the process.
This care will prevent your orchids from dropping unopened blooms or your poinsettia from wilting away in just a few days. If the cashier is busy, step to the side and properly cover the plants before leaving the store.
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| The decorative foil on this poinsettia will not permit water to drain away. Sadly this is a major cause of death of this popular flowering plant. Remove the foil and put the pot in the sink while watering. After it has drained, it is safe to put the foil back on. Let the soil slightly dry out before watering again. |
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 new home repeat the process.
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Orchids make wonderful gifts. Now with modern propagation techniques they are more affordable
and popular than ever.
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This care will prevent your orchids from dropping unopened blooms or your poinsettia from wilting away in just a few days. If the cashier is busy, step to the side and properly cover the plants before leaving the store.
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| After being hit by a blast of cold air these orchids blossoms are wilting and will drop off before opening. |
Finally find the care instructions for your plant in a book or on the internet, make a copy and give this with the plant. It will help answer any questions, ensure proper care and give the plant a better chance for survival.
Merry Holidays,
James*First posted December 2014
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