Many of us have been given presents of plants this Christmas but unfortunately the majority of them will find themselves in the bin. Poinsettias are beautiful plants grown for the Christmas market providing colour for several months. They have the reputation of being hard to grow but given the right temperatures and correct light they will provide colour until June.
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) comes originally from Mexico where it is grown as a large shrub. Where they grow naturally, they can reach 4.5m (15ft) high but potted plants rarely exceed 1m (3ft). The actual flowers of the Poinsettia are small and berry like. They are arranged in small clusters like a group of beads and are surrounded by leaf-like bracts. It is the bracts that provide the colour. They can be white, pink or the most popular pillar-box red.
Poinsettias belong to the Euphorbia species, therefore, care must be taken when handling as the milky sap in its stems, leaves and bracts is poisonous.
In keeping your Poinsettia, it is important to provide the correct growing conditions. Grow Poinsettias in bright but filtered sunlight and at normal room temperature with a minimum temperature of 12C (55F). Always keep the plant out of draughts as this can cause sudden leaf fall. Water thoroughly using luke warm water but let the compost dry out before watering again. Feeding is not usually necessary with plants bought prior to Christmas.
Cyclamen are another popular Christmas plant, bearing delicate flowers above a mound of heart-shaped, patterned leaves. The best known and most popular varieties are the beautiful F1 hybrids. They are available in all shades of red, pink, purple and white.
Native in many Mediterranean countries, cyclamen grow wild in many parts of Turkey and the Greek islands.
Indoors they bloom profusely from September through to March. When the last flowers fade in April continue to water and feed the plant until the leaves begin to turn yellow. Stop watering and feeding and allow the plant to rest for a few months. Move it outdoors to a shady position turning the pot on its side to prevent it from becoming too wet. At this stage all the foliage will shrivel and die but don't be concerned for, come August, you will start to notice new growth. It is now time to re-pot the tuber, taking care not to damage the new leaves. Bring indoors and place in a well lit room away from direct sunlight. Your cyclamen will be flowering again in time for Christmas.
Cyclamen prefer coolish conditions and dislike strong sunlight. They enjoy high humidity, so they will benefit by misting with water and by standing on a bed of pebbles. Water carefully around the edge of the pot or by standing the pot in a saucer filled with water for twenty minutes. Avoid wetting the tuber as it will cause it to rot.
There are also miniature varieties of cyclamen available in a profusion of colours and they will bloom as long as the larger plants.
May I wish everyone a very happy and peaceful New Year.
