Now that we are into the Christmas season, we will notice more holiday plants brightening our homes, offices, churches, restaurants and shopping malls. There are several varieties that many of us will only see at this time of year. A few varieties available locally here in the Miami Valley (and, of course, here at Meadow View!) are: Christmas Cactus, Cyclamen, Kalanchoe, Amaryllis and the ever popular Poinsettia. They make a fine gift that lasts for weeks, if not months.

Here are some things to consider to keep them growing. These plants will do well when they have adequate light, moderate temperatures and are watered regularly. No need to be concerned about fertilizing for the first 6 weeks or so. Proper watering is likely to be the most challenging aspect of keeping plants healthy in the home or wherever you choose to enjoy them. Avoid keeping the soil either too wet or too dry. Sidestep these extremes by watering well when needed and then waiting a couple of days before watering again. Be sure the plant has good drainage and doesn’t sit in water for more than a few minutes. Pour the excess water out of the saucer or the roots will suffer from the lack of oxygen and begin to deteriorate. One way to tell if your plants need to be watered is to use the “one knuckle” test. Using your index finger, place it into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels damp to the touch and the soil tends to stick to your finger, the soil is wet enough and the plant should not be watered. Another way to tell if the plant needs watering is to pick it up regularly, checking the weight. After some experience it becomes rather simple to tell if a plant needs to be watered by how heavy the plant feels.

Enjoy these beauties and remember someone special with a “living” gift that expresses the true meaning of Christmas.