Elizabeth Licata: Holiday plants don’t need to last forever – enjoy them for what they are

December is the last hurrah for many local garden centers and greenhouses as they entice people who meant to stop in for a wreath with multicolored poinsettias, fat amaryllis bulbs just beginning to sprout, holiday “cactus” and even dwarf citrus (not for the beginner). Some of these are easy to keep going, but others are notoriously picky about light and humidity conditions or annoyingly prone to pest issues.

Rule of thumb with seasonal plants: Don’t get too attached. If they do end up thriving in your home’s conditions, well done you. If not, compost and move on. It probably wasn’t your fault.

It’s hard to understand why some growers insist on anointing these with blue spray paint and glitter when there are already plenty of gorgeous colors available through the efforts of hybridizers. This year’s new varieties include: ‘Alaska’ (bright white), ‘Ranch Red’ (deep red with a bright gold center), ‘Christmas Candle’ (double-flowered red), and ‘Luv U Hot Pink.’ Recent years have also brought interesting combinations of green and red, red and white or all three. Tree forms are good, dramatic choices.

Try to get more than one plant, as these look best in groups – they are great banked in a non-operational fireplace. To keep them going, they need fairly bright light, even temperatures of 65-70 degrees and even watering. Tip: cut out the bottom of the decorative foil, so the plant can drain – it cannot sit in water – but still looks festive. Do not overwater, but don’t let it dry out either. 

As for overwintering this, I can’t do much better than what Western New York gardener, garden writer and author Jim Charlier said: “I’ve tried keeping them going, but they tend to be very dramatic when it comes to watering, light, drafts, humidity, window placement and temperature. If any of those things aren’t just right, they act like it’s the end of the world….