The holidays are upon us once again and that means decorating our homes in celebration of the season. Every year, garlands of fragrant greenery, wreaths, and trees fill our homes and our senses, but houseplants can also make a cheerful contribution. By including colorful winter blooms around the house we can add even more sparkle to festive occasions AND these same plants will continue to please long after the holidays are over.
AMARYLLIS
One of my favorite winter blooms is the stately Amaryllis. These tropical plants are usually purchased as bulbs from which large flowers emerge in 6 to 12 weeks. You can choose from a rainbow of colors which will complement any decor. African or Christmas Amaryllis is an early variety which can be potted up in November for a stunning December show. Although the flowers last only a couple of weeks, you can stagger different varieties to keep the show going all winter.
ANTHURIUM
Anthuriums are popular houseplants that bloom virtually non-stop with heart-shaped bracts or spathes similar to the Peace Lily. Add to this the fact that they come in white, red, pink, yellow, orange or green and you have instant, colorful holiday decor. One word of caution is that Anthuriums can cause gastric upset if ingested, so place these beauties out of reach of children and pets.
CYCLAMEN
Cyclamen, with their vibrant silken flowers and mottled dark green foliage, look like they belong in a fairy garden. They are especially fetching with fresh holiday greenery, and their petite size makes them perfect for grouping as in the mantle display above.
ORCHIDS
Exotic orchids such as the Phalaenopsis above are available year-round and the many varieties and colors can create high drama in holiday displays. An extra bonus is that the blooms usually last several weeks, carrying us right into spring!
POINSETTIA
Classic Poinsettias are probably the best known of all holiday houseplants. The large blooms are really bracts that last for many weeks. Look for lush, full plants with dark green leaves. The great thing about poinsettias is that you can find them in small, medium, or large containers to fill any space in your home.
There are many winter blooming plants available at florists, garden centers and even grocery stores, and there’s something for every budget. Take the time to read the plant care tag to ensure that your plant will be happy in your particular home conditions. Experiment with something new or stick with something tried and true, but don’t be afraid to bring a little floral excitement into your holidays and beyond!
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