Holiday Plants Poinsettia Amaryllis Holiday Cacti Julie Weisenhorn U of MN Extension

“Humble Weed” Legend has it that poinsettias began as a humble weed; Turned into brilliant red blooms when a little girl—with no means for a grander gift—placed poinsettia on a church alter;

Poinsettia “The Christmas Flower” Symbol of good cheer and merriment Ancient Aztecs considered the poinsettia to be a symbol of purity. Noche Buena, the Winter Rose, the Christmas Star, the Flame Leaf and the Stelle di Natalle.

Poinsettia Native to Mexico & Guatemala Named after Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States ambassador to Mexico, introduced to the U.S. December birthday flower Not poisonous, as they were long believed to be. Photo: Duarte Nursery Poinsettias

Poinsettia Over 100 varieties Outdoors – grow as shrubs to small trees Two to 16-ft tall Three to 6-inch dark green leaves (bracts) Leaves are often mistaken as flowers. Poinsettia 'Cranberry Punch' Photo: Henryr10 on Flickr

Poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima “Cyathia” – The actual flowers – Grouped within the small yellow structures – Found in the center of each leaf bunch Bracts (leaves) turn white, cream, red, pink, orange, blue, pale green, marbled. Photo: U of Florida Extension

A major floriculture crop Photo: Walter Knoll Florist Commercial Service

Poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima “Photoperiod plant” – sets buds and produces flowers as winter nights get longer Requires 14 hours of complete darkness for wks in autumn in order to develop flowers. Incidental light at night during this time will hamper flower production.

Caring for Poinsettias Bright sunny window (ideal: 6 hrs minimum) 65 – 70° F; avoid drafts and dry air, excess heat Chilling injury below 50° F Allow excess water to drain. Do not let plant sit in water, but keep soil moist. Fertilize after blooming

Varieties – Pink & White Poinsettia ‘Winter Rose’ Photo: ‘Whitestar’ Photo: Stranges Garden Center ‘Marble Star’ Photo: Stranges Garden Ctr ‘Monet Twilight’ Photo: Stranges Garden Ctr ‘Picasso’ Photo: Shamrock Nursery ‘Pink Cluster’ Photo: VW Garden

New colors, forms Photo: Paul Ecke Poinsettia Ranch ‘Royal Blue’ Photo: Mesquite Valley Growers Nursery

Painted, glitter Photo Credit: Megan Bame Photo: Al’s Garden Ctr Photo: Lynette L. Walther

Traditional Mexico red is favorite Photo: Nueva Andalucia, Mexico Photo: KubePak

Amaryllis Hippeastrum species Amaryllis - Greek word "amarysso," which means "to sparkle." In Greek mythology, named for Amaryllis in love with a gardener, Alteo. Alteo’s only desire was for a new flower. Amaryllis was instructed by the Oracle to walk everyday for a month to his door, piercing her own heart each day with a golden arrow. The blood flowing from Amaryllis' heart created a beautiful flower.

Amaryllis Native to Peru, South Africa Brought to Europe in the 1700’s; Mentioned by Thomas Jefferson in 1811; Can bloom for up to 75 years; Confused with belladonna lily; Hybridized – no longer a true amaryllis; Hippeastrum is genus for cultivated amaryllis hybrids; Poisonous if eaten in large quantities.

Planting Amaryllis Tender bulb Select firm bulbs with no mold, injury Pot 1-2” larger than the bulb Good drainage One-third to ½ of bulb should show above the potting medium

Caring for Amaryllis To force the bulb to rebloom next winter Gradually reduce water in August; Allow foliage to dieback; Requires “resting period”. In Sept. put in the dark, cool dry place without water.; Photo:

Caring for Amaryllis Check occasionally; Put in light if new growth appears or after 8-12 wks; Repot the amaryllis in fresh soil; Place in a bright sunny window; Fertilize with high P content when bulb begins to grow. Photo:

Variety & Interest Photo: ‘Papillio’ Photo: ‘Germa’ Photo:

Photo: ffd.edu.ms

Holiday Cacti Thanksgiving Cactus Schlumbergera truncata – Pointed teeth along leaf Christmas Cactus Schlumbergera bridgesii – Flat leaves with rounded teeth on margin Easter Cactus Hatiora gaertneri – Pointed teeth with fibrous hairs at leaf joints Most sold as Christmas cacti around Thanksgiving and will keep blooming at Thanksgiving Photo: Staten Island Advance/Irving Silverstein

Top left: Thanksgiving Cactus Bottom left: Easter Cactus Above: Christmas Cactus

Holiday Cacti Epiphytes Variety of colors; If cared for properly, plants are long-lived; Often passed down through generations; Easy to propagate with cuttings; Photo:

Holiday Cacti Caring / Maintenance Well-drained soil; Let dry between waterings; Fertilize monthly; They do well outside in summer in part shade; Photo:

Holiday Cacti Flowering “Short day “ plants: – They bloom when nights are at least 15 hours long Will also bloom if exposed to temps between 50-55° F After flowering, prune plants to encourage branching. Photo:

Holiday Cacti Flowering Dropped buds – Excessive number of buds – Sudden change in temp, light or soil; – Light interrupting the long light period: Photo: