Many people receive or give plants for the holidays. Poinsettias, cyclamen, and Christmas cactus are among the most popular plants given. Here are some tips to growing your holiday plants and keeping them alive through the winter months.

Keep your poinsettia away from cold and drafty places. Hot spots, such as by a fireplace, near a heater or above appliances are areas that you should avoid. Poinsettias like the sun, so lots of light is a must for the plant’s health and survival. Near a window that is not drafty is the best location for your plant.

Water you plant well when the soil is dry to the touch. Be sure not to over-water the plant. If there is any water in the saucer 15 minutes after watering, be sure to empty the saucer because the excess water can cause rotting of the roots. It is best to discard the foil or plastic that is surrounding the pot.

Another common holiday plant is the cyclamen. This pretty, flowering plant is not the easiest, but it certainly is rewarding to see it bloom all through the winter months. The most important thing to remember when trying to grow a cyclamen is to realize that it grows best in cool temperatures and it likes plenty of sunlight. A cool window in a cool room would be the best location for this plant.

Watering the cyclamen can be tricky. Be careful not to over-water. This will cause the roots to rot. Water when the soil is dry to the touch. Be sure to discard the excess water that drains into the saucer about 15 minutes after watering.

The cyclamen blooms from October through April. When the temperatures become warmer, the plant stops producing flower buds. As the summer progresses, cyclamen often go almost into a state of dormancy. The plant will stop growing leaves and often appear to be dying. Continue to keep the plant alive through the summer months, keeping it as cool as you can and giving it plenty of sunlight inside and continue watering.

When the fall months approach and the nighttime temperatures begin to drop, you will see an improvement in the plant’s behavior. Its leaves will perk up and it will begin to produce flower buds again. Before you know it, the plant will be back to its old self again and ready to perform for you during the winter months.

Christmas cactus is enjoyed by many over the holiday season. It also prefers a sunny location. It requires a dryer soil. In order to get this plant to re-bloom, it requires a cold period in the fall. The plant can be set outside during the summer months and after a few cool nights in the fall, bring it back inside and put it in a sunny location. The cool snap is what it needs to trigger the flower buds to set.

Keep an eye out for insect infestations. Whiteflies, spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids are common insect problems. Scout your plants frequently, and if any are detected, spray with an insecticidal soap. Be sure to read the label on the bottle before applying.

Enjoy your holiday plants. There’s nothing quite like the life and color you can bring inside to enjoy.

Growing Green” is contributed by Lehigh County Extension Office Staff and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-746-1970.