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The Holidays have been celebrated, and with that, many people have acquired a Poinsettia and/or an Amaryllis either through decorative intent or by gift. Most of the time, these lovely holiday plants are thrown out with the wrapping paper. However, you can keep these beauties going for years with some oversite and diligence. Here are some tips if you’re willing to give it a try!
Poinsettias like a south facing window with bright, indirect light. They prefer a warm 60 -70 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep away from drafts. Temperature fluctuations stress your plant.
Allow the top one inch of soil to dry out before watering – soggy roots make an unhappy plant.
In late winter/early spring, cut the stems back 4-6” above the soil and re-plant it in a pot one size up in regular potting soil. Start to feed the plant monthly with balanced houseplant fertilizer.
Once summer arrives, move your poinsettia outside to a shaded area and gradually move it into brighter light.
In October, place your plant in complete darkness for 14 hours every night (a closet is a good location). Bring it out during the day to enjoy bright, indirect sunlight.
By mid-November, colorful bracts will come to fruition in time for the holidays!
If your amaryllis is in soil, you can keep it that way. If it is encased in wax, remove the wax by soaking it in warm water for 10-15 minutes. Gently scrub the wax with a soft-bristled brush or cloth. You can use rubbing alcohol to remove any stubborn wax by dipping a cloth or cotton ball into the rubbing alcohol and gently rubbing the area. Rinse the bulb in water and pot it up.
Allow the blooms to fade and then deadhead with sharp, sterile pruners. Keep the stem intact.
Once the stem has yellowed or turned brown, cut to ½ to 1” above the bulb.
Move your flowerless amaryllis to a sunny window, six or more hours of light daily.
Keep watering. Wait until the soil feels dry 1-2” deep before drinking it. Too much can cause root rot.
Start a high-phosphorous fertilizer every two weeks in late winter or early spring.
Start the process for a holiday bloom between September 15th and October 15th.
Stop watering and feeding. Allow the soil to dry out completely.
Put it in complete, dry darkness for 6-8 weeks. A closet, storage area, or basement may be options.
Keep it cool, in the 45-60 degrees Fahrenheit range. Never drop below freezing.
After 4-6 weeks, bring it out of the dark, and give it a deep drink. Move to a warm area with lots of bright light.
It will take 6-8 weeks for your plant to bloom after its rest period.
It may seem like a lot of steps, but hey, it gives us something to do and to look forward to in the winter months before we can get outside and get growing!
For the Love of Plants - Kelly
