GROW HO-HO
Best plants for pressies
PLANTS make the perfect last-minute presents.
As well as being affordable, they last longer than a box of choccies.
Moth orchids are far from being expensive these days, yet still feel like a luxurious gift. While they appear exotic, they are easy-care and thrive for weeks in centrally heated rooms if regularly misted with tepid water.
Best of all, they can be induced to flower again and again if you simply cut the flower spikes off just above a protrusion or node on the stem.
New growth will start from this node after about a month, and flowers will develop after two to three months.
The Indian azalea will become another lovely keepsake as it will bloom for up to ten weeks and come up trumps again, year after year.
It likes the cool and, unlike most other houseplants, loves having a wet root system at all times. Stand it in a saucer filled with pebbles and topped up with rainwater.
Happy
Azaleas A are acid l overs, so ericaceous eric compost and feeds are a must. mu Indian azaleas also appreciate spending spe the summer outside in a damp dam shaded corner of the garden.
Christmas C cactus come from tropical jungles so, unlike dessert varieties, need to be kept slightly shaded and watered thoroughly when the top half of the soil feels dry.
To keep it happy, avoid draughts and direct heat from radiators. As it has a pendulous habit, it can be grown in a hanging basket to best admire its flowers that resemble crab claws. To guarantee blooms next Christmas, give it 12 hours of darkness at night for eight weeks from mid-october.
Poinsettias also respond to a similar time in the dark, which causes leaves or bracts to change colour. As well as red, they come in creams, pastel yellows, pinks and vibrant bi-colours. When in bloom, they appreciate direct sunlight.
Lack of water and overwatering will cause leaves to yellow and drop off.
Kalanchoe have vivid, long-lasting flowers in striking scarlet, which led to its common name, flaming Katy.
This cheerful succulent is almost indestructible – its needs are strong light and occasional watering.
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