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YARD AND GARDEN

Decorating with holiday plants

Dave Robson

There's probably no other time- of the year where so many plants are associated with the holidays. Plants not only say "Wow, it's the holiday season," but make great gifts for those who have everything or those who are hard to shop for.

While the poinsettia is the most traditional and popular holiday plant, also consider cyclamen, ornamental peppers, Jerusalem, cherries, florist azaleas, and Christmas cactus. If you are still a traditionalist at heart, think about the newer varieties of white, pink and marbled poinsettias. Want to really impress your friends? Seek out the Lemon Drop poinsettia with light-yellow colored bracts.

Just about all the holiday plants are tropical in nature. They normally thrive where day temperatures are in the 60s to 70s with bright light and low humidity. Night temperatures may fall to the low 50s.

To maintain the quality of all these blooming beauties, try to duplicate the greenhouse conditions, which are trying to mirror nature. Place them in bright, but not direct, light where temperatures range from 60-70 degrees F. during the day and in the mid-50s at night.

Of course you see the problem immediately. We tend to want the houses warmer during the day and night. The plant's response is to drop leaves, flowers or flower buds.

Avoid drafts of cold air from windows and doors, and direct heat from vents or radiators. These conditions will cause rapid leaf and flower bud drop as well as discoloration of the plant. Do not display plants on top of appliances such as TVs or refrigerators.

Humidity should be relatively high, even for the Christmas cactus. Flower bud drop is the most common result of low humidity. A humidifier makes a great stage for plants; just set them on top. Grouping plants together helps increase the humidity around the whole group. Misting serves no purpose other than to make you feel good. The droplets evaporate too quickly to be useful.

Proper watering is the key to survival and longevity. Scratch the soil surface with your fingers. If the soil feels dry, water the plant until moisture drains from the bottom of the pot. Most holiday plants need to be kept moist, not bone dry or sopping wet. Plants wrapped in decorative foil should have several drainage holes punched in the bottom to allow water to drain.

Of course, if the plant is wilting, that's another good sign that water is needed.

When purchasing plants, also grab one of the clear plastic saucers to place under the plant. They are inexpensive and a lifesaver for furniture. Be sure to empty any excess water that drains into saucers.

Holiday plants can be infested with insects. It's a good idea to check plants over thoroughly before buying them and bringing them home. Separate new arrivals from other houseplants during the holiday season.

Poinsettias have received bad press — many people think they're poisonous. They're about as deadly as chocolate or lettuce. The point, though, is that they aren't meant to be eaten. Pets will generally avoid the plants. Children should be taught the same.

CAUTION: The fruits of Jerusalem cherry are considered poisonous. Unfortunately, they are also the ornamental part of the plant. The fruits of the ornamental pepper are a form of chili pepper and are extremely hot. It's best to keep both plants away from children.

David Robson is an Extension Educator, Horticulture, at the Springfield Extension Center, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Illinois. You can write to Robson in care of Illinois Country Lowing, P.O. Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708.
Telephone: (217) 782-6515.
E-Mail: robsond@idea.ag.uiuc.edu

16 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING DECEMBER 1998