GARDENS Alternative Christmas Plants

A Christmas Cactus has attractive red, pink or white flowers that appear in winter, perfect for bringing some cheer inside. It’s best not to move the plant when in bud, as this can cause bud drop. For the rest of the year, give it a bright spot on an east or west facing window sill, water when the soil feels dry, and feed every two weeks. In summer, Schlumbergera will thrive outside in a shady spot and cuttings can be easily taken.

ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS PLANTS

Poinsettias are the Christmas classic, but for those wanting something a little different, check out our suggestions. Plus, we have added a guide to finding the best Poinsettias to ensure they make it through and even beyond the festive season.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis flowers are typically grown as winter houseplants to add a pop of colour to wintery days. The trumpet-shaped blooms come in reds, pinks, and whites. As the plant is growing and flowering, water whenever the top 2 inches of soil become dry.

Paperwhite Narcissus

These delicate flowers are the colour of snow, but will add warmth to your holiday decor. They bloom best from fall to spring, making Paperwhites perfect for the cosy season ahead.

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Anthurium

This holiday-coloured beauty will enjoy a warm and bright spot in your home and a bit of extra humidity. The flowers are actually a modified leaf called a bract, surrounding a spike of tiny flowers. The bright colour can last in your home for months. The charming, heart-shaped silhouette of the Anthurium reminds us of what Christmas is all about.

Bromeliad

Bromeliads are decorative for a few reasons during the winter months. Some species have green glossy leaves that compliment the glitz and glitter of the season's golds and silvers. Other species have grey or silvery foliage that are striking in a backdrop of evergreen. Many bromeliads also have bright red, festive flower spikes.

PICKING THE PERFECT POINSETTIA

Check the flowers

Many plant buyers confuse the bracts for the poinsettia flower. You should check the centre of the flower and look for the yellow colour. The yellow indicates that the flower is nice and fresh—a good way to know it's healthy and lasts much longer. The flower centre shouldn’t be fully open either. Poinsettias should have plenty of leaves. If you see a bunch of leaves on the surface of the soil, it could have been overwatered or underwatered. Look for any yellow leaves, too many yellow leaves on the plant when you buy it could mean it’s been stressed.

Check the stems

Check the number of flower stems, you want as many stems as possible. This way, you’ll get a nice, full poinsettia. Avoid broken stems or leaves Poinsettias are often displayed on nursery and store shelves very close together so it’s hard to see the form if you don’t pick it up and give it a look. If the stems are broken, it often means that the plant was damaged during transportation or while waiting for purchase at the store.

Sleeve or foil wrapping

Check the plant for mildew. Sometimes, the lower leaves will have powdery mildew. And lastly, look for a full looking plant Turn the plant around in a full circle to determine how full you want them to look, check from all sides.

Care Tips Exposure

Keep your poinsettia in bright light. Your plant will last longer if it’s in bright, natural light.

Watering

Poinsettias are Succulents, but they like a little moisture, during their bloom cycle. You have to find the balance between not too wet and not too dry. When watering, make sure that none of the water sits in the container. The water that sits in the bottom of the container could overwater the poinsettia and cause root rot.