Winter-flowering houseplants
Peter looks at caring for indoor plants that flower in winter
THE bright sunny weather in October was perfect for the growers who produce literally millions of poinsettias for Christmas. After all, poinsettias are tropical plants, and while UK growers can provide extra warmth, there is no substitute for sunshine during this critical period of growth.
Buy plants grown locally, if possible, so they are growing in full light and do not have to travel in dark lorries. The early bird stands a much better chance of settling poinsettias into their new position safely and before the darkest winter days.
Ideally, stand plants on windowsills (south-facing are best) during the day and bring them into the room at night, and certainly on the other side of curtains during times of severe frost. It almost goes without saying that you should wrap poinsettias up against cold winds when taking them home and get them back into the warm as quickly as possible.
If you do all this, and water carefully, you will get months of healthy green leaves and colourful bracts. The best way to find out when all winter-flowering plants need water is by weight, with heavy indicating wet and light meaning dry and thus the need for water.
Start by watering plants well, leave to drain and then check the weight. You could even pop them onto the kitchen scales and pencil the weight on the side of the pot. You won’t need to water them again until the pot is noticeably lighter, and if you are moving plants off the windowsill in the evening and replacing them in the morning it will provide two chances to check how heavy they are.
A little dilute houseplant food once a fortnight should be enough to feed poinsettias, and for most indoor plants through the winter.
“Ideally, stand plants on windowsills during the day”