From wreaths and tinsel to baubles and fairy lights, there are countless ways to decorate your home for Christmas. However, plants can add a beautiful splash of colour to a room and some freshness to the atmosphere.
Most people know of the classic Poinsettia, but here are two other plants that will flower over Christmas, along with some basic care tips:
Christmas Cactus
These plants are very easy to care for, which is ideal for the busy Christmas period. Throughout the year, water sparingly by placing water in a saucer underneath the plant. In autumn, when the buds start to flower, increase the amount of water you give slightly.
These plants love light throughout the day, but ensure the room is not too warm – aim for about 16-20 degrees Celsius. Also ensure they have a dark room at night, as they need darkness for flower buds to form.
When in flower, these plants produce a stunning array of red flowers.
Paperwhite Narcissus
It doesn’t have to be all about red at Christmas. These delicate, white daffodils love very warm conditions, making them great plants to grow indoors.
Make sure your bulbs are suitable for indoor growing. For Christmas flowering, keep the bulbs dark and cool until November, plant and leave in a warm, sunny spot of the house. Use a fine, free-draining compost to avoid rotting, and take care not to let the compost dry out.
In 6-8 weeks, you will have beautiful flowers that give off a lovely fragrance.
Follow these basic care tips and you should have two lovely new plants that would make worthy dining table centrepieces.
