Christmas Cactus

Christmas Cactus

Christmas Cacti have been favorite holiday houseplants for many years. They are easy to grow, and if given proper conditions will bloom regularly every Christmas. They come in a myriad of bright holiday colors including red, pink, and peach, as well as white. Despite the cactus name, these plants do not like to get desert dry between waterings like true cactus plants do. These are native to forests in Brazil and are frequently found growing in the crooks of branches in tropical forests along with orchids. Thus they prefer to be watered thoroughly when the surface of the soil is dry to the touch, then allowed to dry to the touch again before watering.
To encourage blooming, place them in a cool place, preferably around 50F for a few weeks, and cut back on water during this period. Once they set bud, keep them away from cool or warm drafts and resume proper watering, otherwise your buds will fall off without maturing into full flowers. Don't fertilize them during their flowering period, and allow them to rest for a month or two after flowering before resuming fertilizing. Any houseplant formula fertilizer will suffice according to directions on your fertilizer package. In the house they prefer bright indirect light, and can be placed outdoors in the spring and summer in a shady area.
Christmas Cacti prefer to be tight in a pot, but if repotting is necessary wait until early spring and use a well draining soil mixture. Choose a pot size only one size larger so as not to stress the plant. They also take well to pruning and shaping, but again wait until early spring to tackle this task. Leaf segments from pruning root easily in a rooting medium, allowing you to share this wonderful plant with others.
If you care for your Christmas Cactus properly, you will be enjoying it for many years. A number of people have related how they have inherited these plants from their Grandparents and know they are 30-40 years old! A true testament to their longevity and easy care!

By: Sandy Weinkam
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Cyclamen

Cyclamen persicum

Cyclamen are among the most beautiful and popular flowering plants. This winter blooming houseplant with butterfly shaped blooms comes in a range of colors and has equally attractive variegated heart shaped leaves. They prefer a bright but cool location, and water when the top of the soil is dry to the touch. With proper care, cyclamen can bloom for up to four months.
In the spring, the plant can be moved outdoors to a semi shaded spot and watered occasionally. When it begins to show new growth in August, begin fertilizing it and watering more frequently. Move the plant indoors before the first frost and continue it's care indoors in a bright, cool location. Blooms will begin again in late November.

By: Gayla Parker
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Norfolk Island Pine

Norfolk Island Pine

The Norfolk Island Pine is not a true pine, but a conifer that originated on Norfolk Island off the coast of Australia. Each year it produces one new whorl or layer of symmetrical branches which are wider than the previous ones, giving it the appearance of an upside down spruce or fir. It's formal appearance makes it a great replacement for the indoor family Christmas tree, decorations and all!
This tropical plant needs medium light, but will tolerate low light for a short period of time. Keep it evenly moist, and humidity will help it retain it's lower branches. It is a slow grower, so use half strength all purpose fertilizer during the spring and summer growing season. Try to avoid pruning, as it reacts negatively to this process.
If you choose to try this as an accent Christmas tree, use only very light, tiny ornaments or decorations as the branches are not thick enough to support heavy decorations.


By: Doris Koop
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Poisonous Poinsettias?

Poisonous Poinsettias??

Every year during the holiday season, we find it necessary to discuss an "Old Wives Tale" that continues to persist about poinsettias. It is alleged that parts or all of the poinsettia plant are poisonous to pets and/or people. This is definitely Not True! Poinsettias are not poisonous to people or pets. The Ohio State University in 1971 ran extensive studies on the toxicity of all parts of the poinsettia plant. This study was done in response to a movement to place safety caution tags on all plants deemed poisonous. Results of these tests were conclusive that no part of the poinsettia plant was poisonous to people or pets. At the time, the studies were reported on all news media, but every year since then, the myth has persisted. This is primarily due to lack of knowledge on the part of newscasters and, surprisingly, veterinarians.
So fear not! Enjoy the beauty of this seasonal house plant during the holidays, then cut them back in March and they will make great foliage plants outdoors in the summer.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis

If you believe that "the bigger the better", then the Amaryllis is the flower for you. Amaryllis blooms can be 8-10" across, and frequently produce 3-4 flowers at a time atop each thick 1-2' tall stems. Colors include shades of whites, pinks, and reds, with new colors being hybridized every year.
Amaryllis appreciate tight quarters, so use a standard pot that is 2" larger in diameter than the bulb. When potted, the bulb should be about half to one third out of the soil. After potting, water the bulb thoroughly, then wait until the bulb begins to show new growth. When it does show new growth, begin watering it whenever the soil surface is dry to the touch.
Amaryllis prefer a bright window with at least half a day of sun. Fertilize once a month. After flowering, continue to water and fertilize.
In early fall, slow down on water until you are not watering at all. This plant needs 4-6 weeks of rest (No Water). After this rest period, cut off all yellow leaves and then lightly water. Watch for new growth to begin before returning to a regular water and fertilizer schedule, then watch your beautiful plant flower once again.


By Michelle Lynn
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Ornamental Cabbage and Kale

Ornamental Cabbage & Kale

For late fall and early winter color in containers or in your garden, flowering cabbage and kale plants are excellent choices. These hardy outdoor plants will withstand frosts and even snow, becoming more colorful the cooler it gets. They come in flowering colors of white, pink or rose. The kale plants have a much lacier and crinkled foliage compared to the cabbage which has a much smoother leaf structure. Also, both cabbage and kale can have a very green or a more burgundy colored leaf color as well. Plant these beauties in full sun for the best color, and water when dry. No fertilizer is necessary, as these plants will finish their life cycle usually by late December or early January depending on temperatures.

By Sandy Weinkam
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Lemon Cypress

Lemon Cypress
Cupressus Macrocarpa

This bright green tropical cypress plant will be a welcome addition to your houseplant collection. It is easy to grow, has a light lemony scent when the needles are pinched lightly, and the bright color will liven up any area of your home. The needles are soft and feathery in texture, giving it a unique feel and look. Bright light is best for the full color of your cypress indoors, and they prefer moist but not soggy water conditions. Do not let them dry out as they will brown on their tips.
Fertilize as you would any of your indoor plants, less in winter months. In spring after night time temperatures remain above 55F, you can place them outdoors in full sun or light shade. Keep in mind the watering needs, however.
These plants take well to pruning, and can be formed into topiaries of different shapes quite easily.

By Doris Koop
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn's Greenhouses