January 4, 2006
Woodbury Bulletin
Betsy Halden

You may have received a lovely flowering plant during the holidays. Plants such as the poinsettia, Christmas cactus, amaryllis, and cyclamen pose a dilemma for some people. All can be kept to bloom again another year. However, it is easier to discard the poinsettia and the cyclamen after flowering. A lot of work is involved to get them to bloom again, and results are iffy. New, attractive and healthy plants are readily available. Holiday cacti and amaryllis bulbs are easier to work with and your efforts are likely to be rewarded with colorful blooms. Here are some tips.

Holiday Cactus
Holiday cacti include the Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and numerous hybrids. After flowering, place plants in a cool area – 60 to 65 F – and water sparingly. Water plants more frequently during their active growth period from spring through summer. Fertilize holiday cacti approximately once a month during the growing season. Flowering of holiday cacti is controlled by temperature and day length. In the fall, place plants in a cool location – 60 to 65 F – that receives only natural daylight. Flower initiation will occur under these conditions and plants will bloom sometime between late October and January.

Amaryllis
Big amaryllis bulbs are often given as Christmas gifts. While many people discard the amaryllis after flowering, others like to see the bulb rebloom.

After flowers fade, cut off the flower stalk with a sharp knife. Make the cut 1 to 2 inches above the bulb. Don’t harm the foliage. In order for the bulb to bloom again next season, the plant must replenish its depleted food reserves. The long, strap-like leaves manufacture food which is stored in the bulb. Place the plant in a sunny window and water when the soil surface becomes dry. Fertilize every 2 to 4 weeks with a houseplant fertilizer. You can move the amaryllis outdoors in late spring, after the last frost. Harden or acclimate the plant outdoors for a few days. Once hardened, dig a hole in an area that receives partial to full sun and set the pot into the ground. Continue to water the amaryllis during dry weather. Continue to fertilize the plant once or twice a month through July, then ring the plant indoors before frost.

Amaryllis bulbs need to rest before blooming. To induce dormancy, place the amaryllis in a cool, semi-dark location and stop watering the plant. Cut off the foliage when the leaves dry and turn brown. Then place the pot in a dry location with a temperature of 45 to 55 F and allow the bulb to rest for 2 to 3 months. The length of the rest period for amaryllis bulbs varies. After several weeks of rest, periodically check the bulbs for signs of new growth. When a bud or new foliage appears, place the amaryllis in a warm, bright location and water to start the growth cycle again. If repotting is necessary do so before watering.

Betsy Halden can be reached at eahalden@comcast.net.