Holiday Plants Q & A

Some of the most common questions our customers have about the plants that are sold at Christmas.

Q. The Amaryllis bulb I saved from two years ago has made more bulbs but they are all small and last year I only had one flower.

A. What you’ve seen is typical for these bulbs. The growers who raise the big bulbs that are sold every December are experts who pay attention to the right amount of light, water and fertilizer to produce those extra-large bulbs. But most home growers aren’t as attentive, and the bulbs get smaller even as they produce new ones to the sides. If you want a bulb to remain as large as possible, separate out any side bulbs, repot the plant in well-drained Cactus Mix potting soil every year, and apply time-release fertilizer or use a liquid synthetic fertilizer frequently.

You’ll need to keep your bulb actively growing all summer so that the leaves can keep producing energy for the bulb. Water only when the soil is dry…these plants don’t like to be constantly wet. Keep in mind that these plants, in the genus Hippeastrum, are native to warm climates, so put them out when the summer heat arrives and bring them indoors in early fall.

Q. I was given a Norfolk Island Pine to use as a Christmas tree. After the holidays, can I plant it outside?

A. This lovely tree, Araucaria heterophylla, is native to an island near Australia and New Zealand. They are a lovely species of conifer but are not hardy in the northeast USA. So no, you can’t plant this outdoors on Cape Cod. These are easy to keep as houseplants, however. Place it in a bright location – these plants don’t need direct sun – and keep the soil fairly evenly moist. Know that when they are happy the Norfolk Island Pine can grow to be quite large.

Q. Every year I buy three Cyclamen to in a decorative container on my kitchen counter. They last well into February, but then seem to decline. How can I keep these alive from year to year?

A. There are some holiday plants that are easy to keep from year to year, such as the Norfolk Island Pine, and Christmas/Thanksgiving cactus. Others, notably Cyclamen and Poinsettias, are better purchased fresh every year. Cyclamen are picky plants that that have a dormant period, and when that happens you need to keep the roots and crown of the plant alive even though you see not foliage in the pot. Most of us have busy lives, and tending an empty pot and then reinvigorating this cool-weather plant isn’t usually a priority. Save your plant attention for those that are easier to care for, and don’t feel badly about buying new Cyclamen every December.

Q. After my paperwhite Narcissus finish, can I save the bulbs to plant outside in the spring?

A. Unfortunately not. First of all, this type of Narcissus isn’t hardy on Cape Cod. But more importantly, we typically grow them indoors in pebbles and water. The bulbs grow and flower quickly, and although the water keeps the plants alive, they are running off of the energy stored in the bulbs. Those are depleted at the end of the flowering. Look at this as a very long-lasting cut flower with the added bonus of being able to watch the entire process of plant growth: development of the roots, shoots, leaves and finally the flowers.

Q. Are there any fragrant plants that are sold around the holidays?

A. Three possibilities come to mind. First, you can grow some paperwhite Narcissus bulbs. But don’t overlook the herbs that are sold in tree shapes at this time of year. We have lavender and rosemary that have been pruned into the classic Christmas tree shape. Although they don’t scent the air as fragrant flowers do, running your hand lightly over the foliage will release the fragrant oils. They are aromatherapy plants for sure!

Finally, we just got in a shipment of Stephanotis. These plants are often sold trained in a ring (wreath) shape at this time of year and the lovely white flowers are fragrant.