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

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