Not only Christmas tree and orchid: which indoor plants bloom in winter and how to care for them

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Indoor plants that bloom in winter are a great gift for Christmas.

Flowering plants decorate the house and bring joy and beauty to the house even in severe frosts.

However, it is worth knowing how to care for indoor plants in winter, so that they please the eye and add a festive mood.

Gardener Elizaveta Kiskina shared with “UP.Zhyttia” tips about flowers that bloom in winter.

You will learn which 10 flower pots bloom in winter and interesting facts about caring for these plants.

Christmas tree (schlumbergera, Christmas cactus)

The Christmas cactus comes from hot Brazil and blooms in April-May in its native region.

There are six main types of schlumbergera, several of them are considered “holiday” because they bloom from September to February and are sold as gift plants during the Christmas holidays.

Elizaveta Kiskina, a gardener, says that caring for a Christmas tree is quite easy.

“The Christmas cactus doesn’t need a lot of moisture and grows very well in indirect sun.

In summer, it is enough to water it once a week, and in winter – every 15 days. It is important to avoid stagnation of moisture.” – advises the specialist.

The gardener adds: when the Christmas cactus blooms, it is advisable to allocate a permanent place for it and, if possible, not to move the pot of the Christmas tree.

Christmas tree (Christmas cactus, schlumbergera). Photo: brnmanzurova.gmail.com/Depositphotos

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Poinsettia (Christmas star, Christmas milkweed)

The story of the poinsettia begins with an old Mexican legend: a little girl did not have a gift for the baby Jesus at the Christmas service. All she could do was pick a bunch of weeds to bring as a gift. The angels sympathized with her, so after the girl put the weeds in the nativity scene on Christmas Eve, they turned them into beautiful red flowers. According to legend, this is why red and green are the colors of Christmas today.

The reason why the vase of red flowers (and now pink, white, orange and combinations thereof) is so famous is the accidental discovery of the flower by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first US ambassador to Mexico in 1828.

Poinsett was so impressed by the beauty of the poinsettia that he sent cuttings to his plantation, where they were propagated and named the “Mexican fire plant.” The plant was distributed among botanical gardens and flower growers throughout the country.

“The red leaves of the Christmas tree are not a flower, but leaves. Its flower is tiny, in the very middle, and the leaves are colored during flowering to attract the attention of pollinators, because the flower itself is inconspicuous.”– says Elizaveta Kiskina.

The gardener adds that the poinsettia blooms once a year in winter, for about two months. After flowering, its leaves often fall off, it must be pruned and put into a state of rest: very little watering, do not fertilize until it gives new leaves.

“I’ve had my poinsettia for four years. But it’s difficult to make it bloom again at home, because this plant blooms in conditions of short daylight. It needs at least 12 hours a day of complete darkness for 8-10 weeks.

Even the light from the TV can disrupt the process of laying a flower. Garden farms that grow poinsettias are specially equipped with light-proof screens, which cover the plants and prepare them for flowering.” – says the specialist.

The gardener shares a secret about poinsettia care: find a warm, bright, draft-protected place for her in the apartment.

“After buying a poinsettia, protect it well on the way home: it is best to wrap it pot of poinsettia in several layers of paper or newspapers. Poinsettia can drop its leaves from drafts and low temperatures.” – emphasizes Elizaveta Kiskina.

Poinsettia (Christmas star, Christmas milkweed). Photo: belchonock/Depositphotos

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe is a popular indoor plant because it is drought tolerant and easy to grow.

The plants are known for their juicy green oval-shaped leaves, often with a serrated edge.

The expert notes that Kalanchoe is an ideal indoor plant for beginners.

“Kalanchoe should be watered moderately, but regularly. The substrate should always dry out between waterings.

In the spring, it can be pruned to give it a more attractive shape and make it bushy.” – advises Elizaveta Kiskina.

Kalanchoe. Photo: artursfoto1/Depositphotos

Cyclamen

The name cyclamen is of Greek origin. It comes from the word “kuklos”, which means circle. This becomes clear if you analyze the shape of the flowers.

Previously, it was used to treat wounds. During the Renaissance, cyclamen leaves were used to treat earaches, although it was not effective. The ear-like shape of the leaves was thought to be the reason for the attempt to relieve pain.

At the same time, the plant is toxic to furry family members, so it should be kept as far away from cats and dogs as possible.

“Indoor cyclamen feels good in a bright, not too sunny place. It likes ventilation (but not drafts) and coolness: in winter, the temperature should not exceed 15-18°C”, – the gardener tells about cyclamen care.

Elizaveta Kiskina notes that cyclamen should be kept moderately moist and watered with settled water from below, because watering from above can cause rotting. To do this, you just need to put a vase of cyclamen in a vessel with water for half an hour.

Cyclamen. Photo: Kobuspeche/Depositphotos

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Amaryllis

Amaryllis is popular both among indoor plants and for outdoor flower beds.

It is interesting that the number of shoots with flowers directly depends on the size of the amaryllis bulb. Larger bulbs (30-35 cm in circumference) usually produce more flowers, while smaller bulbs produce fewer.

Also, amaryllis flowers can be used for bouquets, because they are able to remain fresh-looking in a vase for up to 2 weeks.

The expert explains that amaryllis must be sufficiently supplied with water during flowering.

“The method of watering from a saucer has proven itself well, so that the plant can absorb the necessary water from below”, – the expert shares advice.

Amaryllis. Photo: mazzachi/Depositphotos

Saint Paul (Violet)

There are more than 250 recognized species of violets. Each plant produces flowers of different shapes with various shades of blue, purple, pink, white or even multi-colored.

Violet blooms throughout the year, if you create the right conditions. It is often called the “queen of indoor plants” because of its ability to continuously bloom.

Saintpaulia requires careful care, because the flower is very sensitive to watering.

“Violets can only be watered from below, with warm, settled water“, emphasizes gardener Elizaveta Kiskina.

Saintpaulia (violet). Photo: Pilat666/Depositphotos

Begonia

Interestingly, certain species of begonia have edible flowers.

The flowers of tuberous begonia (Begonia tuberhybrida) and wax begonia (B.semperflorens-cultorum) are indeed edible. The petals have a slightly sour citrus aroma and a light, crunchy texture.

However, it should be remembered that begonia flowers contain oxalic acid, which is contraindicated in some diseases.

“Begonias are very strong plants, but they like to be elevated air humidity. It is better to choose a place for them that is bright, but without direct sunlight.” – says expert Elizaveta Kiskina.

Begonia. Photo: Noppharat_th/Depositphotos

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Orchid

Orchids are very ancient plants. They appeared about 80 million years ago, when dinosaurs still ruled the Earth. However, orchids continue to evolve – about 20 new species are described each year.

The roots of these plants are also special, particularly in the case of epiphytic orchids (those that grow on trees). They are airborne and stretch in all directions, eventually attaching themselves to the branches and bark of other trees in the wild. The roots are thick and covered with a substance that absorbs and retains moisture.

The specialist notes that a home orchid needs a bright place with a constant temperature of 18 to 25 °C.

“In addition, with excessive watering, rot quickly appears in the root area of ​​orchids, so they should be watered only when the roots have turned gray, green roots should not be watered.” – the gardener tells about caring for orchids.

Orchid. Photo: belchonock/Depositphotos

Camellia

Camellia (Camellia sinensis) is often called the tea tree, as it is one of the most common plants from which tea is made. This variety may not have the prettiest blooms of all camellia species, but its leaves are great for making a delicious tea.

The plant blooms for most of the year. The flowering season begins in autumn and continues throughout the winter and spring season. Your home will be full of color even in the coldest months.

“To keep camellias as indoor plants, they need to be provided with certain conditions, because they do not tolerate dry warm air.

The temperature in the room should not exceed 15 degrees. – advises Elizaveta Kiskina.

Camellia. Photo: PantherMediaSeller/Depositphotos

Helleborus (freezer, helleborus)

Species of hellebore are most concentrated along the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the Black Sea coast. Magical flowering in the winter gloom fascinated people and inspired many poets. All parts of the plant are poisonous and not suitable for consumption. Sensitive people should always wear gloves when working with the plant.

According to the specialist, hellebores are not indoor plants, they are frost-resistant perennials for open ground.

“However, they can be placed in the apartment as decor for a limited time.

The cooler the room (below 15 degrees), the better the plant will feel.” – adds gardener Elizaveta Kiskina.

Helleborus (freezer, helleborus). Photo: annaleb06.aol.co.uk/Depositphotos

Anna Bay, UP. Life.

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