There ’ s no better time to turn your attention to indoor gardening . Once the festive season has passed and the garden is mainly at rest , you can enjoy the long nights indoors and concentrate on making the most of houseplants .
TAKING CARE
• Christmas cactus plants ( Schlumbergera ) are not typical of most cacti . They are native to Brazil and grow naturally on trees and in rock crevices , shaded from direct sunlight . They inhabit pockets of dampness and enjoy high humidity . Don ’ t deny this lovely plant a timely drink , and keep it away from a south-facing windowsill . Pot it up in humus-rich compost but allow it to become slightly pot-bound , as it would if it were living in the crook of a tree .
• The red or pink attraction of poinsettias ( Euphorbia pulcherrima ) comes from leafy bracts rather than actual flowers . These plants can ’ t abide draughts , so don ’ t be tempted to position them in the hall or by a door that opens frequently . They like brightness but not burning sun through windows and appreciate regular spray misting . When the show is over for the season , prune them back quite hard and repot them during early spring . If you want them to produce their colourful display next Christmas , you will need to put them in darkness for 12 hours every day during November to mimic short daylight hours .
• If you find yourself with an amaryllis gift box , the bulb should be planted in a pot around 5cm wider than the bulb itself . One-third to one-half of it should be visible above the compost , and they enjoy a brightly lit position . Water sparingly until the foliage develops , then gradually increase the amount of water , taking care not to drown the bulb and make it rot . Your amaryllis might need support as they can reach up to 80cm high . After flowering , allow the plant to die down , stop watering when everything looks dead and store the dry bulb ready for next year .
26 < Boxmoor Direct < January 2024 <