Keeping Christmas Flowering Plants Over the Holidays

By 250 News

When purchasing flowering plants for the Christmas season you want to make sure that the plants will continue to look beautiful and healthy for as long as possible.

The first thing you need to do is buy healthy plants. Plants should not be located near any cold or windy locations, or very hot and dry. They should be  wrapped or in a sleeve so that there is enough air circulation. They should look fresh and not wilted as wilted plants may not come back and the damage cannot be corrected.

Check the plants carefully for healthy foliage and fresh looking newly opened flowers as well as lots of unopened buds. Make sure the plant is clean of any insects or disease and has not been damaged.

After the plant has been purchased it should be transported to its destination with as little stress as possible. When temperatures are near or below freezing the plant has to be carefully wrapped in a paper or plastic bag or sleeve, before bringing it to your vehicle. Keep the plant from getting crushed as this can cause damage. Put the plant inside the vehicle so that it will remain warm and not suffer from any extreme temperature changes so make this your last trip of the day. You do not want to leave it in the car and then go shopping for any length of time.

Once at home you want to unwrap it as soon as possible and find a suitable place for it. Stay away from any areas where there are cold drafts such as near an outside door or a window sill. Also keep away from heat radiators, air vents, fire places, etc. where there is lots of dry, hot air. The best place is on a stand, table, etc. near a window where it will receive lots of light and be at room temperature.

Water the plant as it is needed. Some plants require more water than others so check it daily. Do not keep it too wet, but also do not allow it to dry out. Generally when you feel the top of the soil and it is dry to the touch the plant will require a thorough watering.

Poinsettias like to be kept evenly moist as do azaleas.  (azalea shown in photo at right) Keep plants looking healthy by removing any finished flowers and any damaged or dying foliage. If cared for properly, plants can give you many weeks of enjoyment.

-Jos

Jos  Van Hage owns and operates two Art Knapp Garden Centres in Prince George:

• Highway 16 West at  Kimball Road
• Highway 97 North at Northwood Pulpmill Road
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