Poinsettias and cyclamen are popular hostess gifts during the holiday season. Plants should have the outside foil removed to allow proper drainage. Do you have a lovely red (or pink or white) poinsettia decorating your home? Poinsettias will do well in bright, indirect light but don’t like sudden temperature changes. Water occasionally, but don’t let the pot sit in water. Your poinsettia will give you festive color for weeks to come. But beware of their milky sap, which can be irritating to the skin.
Florist’s cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is a common holiday gift. It grows from a tuber that protrudes above the soil level. The flowers with their reflexed petals may be crimson, red, salmon, purple, pink or white. They prefer cooler temperatures, especially cooler nighttime temperatures (50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit). Enjoy your brightly colored holiday plants longer with just a little bit of thoughtful planning to meet their cultural needs.
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