5 tips for for common Christmas plants

Winter may be the season for snow, but when it comes to December plants, the most important thing to remember is water.

During the holiday months, many people decorate their homes naturally, with poinsettias, Christmas cacti, amaryllises, cyclamens, ivy and other seasonal plants.

"The most important thing with any of the plants is to not overwater," said Byron Merrell, grower for Signal Mountain Nursery, "especially when you bring it indoors where there's not a lot of light. Stuff's not going to use nearly as much water as it does in the greenhouse."

On the other hand, he said, "don't let things completely dry out."

In general, logic should be applied. Water a plant when it needs watering. Don't water it when it doesn't. Experts, he said, can tell whether a plant is dry by picking up the pot. If it feels light, it needs watering. Soil should feel slightly moist to the touch.

Of all the plants, Merrell said, a Christmas cactus is probably the most low-maintenance. Cacti require minimal watering, perhaps once a week.

"Everything is fairly easy," he said, "but most people tend to overwater."

He offers these pointers for five common holiday plants.

Five Tips

1. Poinsettias: They're pretty much finished growing once they're brought into the home. "You're not going to need to feed them," Merrell said. The exception is if an attempt is being made to have the plant rebloom. In that case, fertilize the plant weekly.

2. Cyclamen: Let it have as much light as possible. Don't overwater.

3. Ivy: It's fairly easy to care for. Let the soil dry between waterings, and then water it thoroughly. Use a fertilizer to keep it growing.

4. Amaryllis: An amaryllis can be made to reflower by cutting back the old blooms.

5. Christmas cactus: Use a fertilizer if you wish for the bloom to regrow. Store in a sunny place. Do not overwater.