Holiday Plants That Last Throughout The Year

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas Everywhere you go.....The garden centers and grocery stores are already loading up on Poinsettias for the holiday season. And not just the red or cream-colored ones you know. No, now you can get a turquoise, glittered poinsettia for your mantle. They are coming in many colors, some two or three different colors! The red ones are still my favorite. They are so gorgeous and nothing really says Christmas to me than a beautiful red Poinsettia. However, Poinsettias are generally considered to be "throw-away" plants, barely making it through the holiday season before being tossed by the thousands out onto the curb. They are a difficult plant to keep up with. They require much care and getting them to re bloom for the next year takes a lot of maintenance. As traditional and beautiful as they are for Christmas if you would like a Holiday plant that lasts throughout the whole year consider one of these....

1. Norfolk Island Pine- This pine tree is another pretty popular Holiday plant. Many people decorate them to use as a living Christmas tree. They have symmetrical, long, soft foliage which makes decorating them fun! These plants can grow after the holiday is over with very little care. Most Temperature ranges are suitable but sudden changes in Temperatures should be avoided. They like bright light and need to be watered thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch.
2. Gardenia- If you want fragrance in your home, you can't go wrong with a gardenia. Even when not in bloom, this plant's glossy, dark green leaves make it a very attractive houseplant. Gardenias can be a bit fussy about conditions: they require bright light, high humidity, and even moisture. If you can provide these, you should get at least one gardenia for your home.
3. Cyclamen- Cyclamen can provide a real pop of color during the holidays, and, if you care for the plant, will continue to do so for years to come. You can find cyclamen in most commonly red, white, fuchsia or pink blooms. Cyclamen require a dormant stage to bloom again, but that really makes it an even easier houseplant to care for!
4. Amaryllis- If you love blooms, you need to get your hands on some amaryllis bulbs! You typically find them everywhere this time of year, usually sold in boxes as complete planting kits. This is a convenient way to get them, but if you want more variety in your choices, you'll want to call Mayfield to see what we have available. Amaryllis provide gorgeous blooms during the holiday season if you plant the bulbs in November. Many people treat these as throw-aways as well, but it's actually quite simple to get them to bloom again next holiday season.
5. Christmas Cactus- Also known as "Thanksgiving Cactus" (they are typically sold in bloom for both holidays) these succulent plants are fairly simple to care for. They don't do well in dim, drafty, dry areas, so you'll have to make sure you have a good spot for them. If you do, they'll reward you with blooms during the holidays for years to come.
6. Orchids- These beautiful exotic plants make a stunning gift! They can be decorated elegantly for the holiday. Many people get nervous about them because they seem hard to care for but in reality they are a long lasting plant that can easily grow and re bloom. These plants require bright in direct light and like to be moist. They grow best in humidity so bathrooms, kitchens and around other plants is the best spot to keep them in. Here is some info on growing orchids.
Mayfield has a beautiful selection of Orchids, Christmas Cactus, Amaryllis, Cyclamen, Norfolk Pines, gardenias, and Poinsettias available for the Holiday season. Give us a call at 520-885-6987 or stop by and visit. You can also place your order online at www.mayfieldflorist.com