plant care Archives

Meet Plant Kween, the Brooklyn-based Gardener Who’s Changing the Plant Parenting Game

plant kween interview with pk with plant

Growing up in Philadelphia, Christopher Griffin (they/them) learned about the power and beauty of nature from their great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother — all of whom passed their love of horticulture on to them. Today, Griffin, aka Plant Kween, has more than 370K followers on Instagram, where they post updates about plant tours, shopping excursions, and tips on garden care and cultivation. The account is a window into the life of Plant Kween, who uses nature enthusiastically and daily to learn about and nurture themselves, and ultimately grow.

We caught up with Griffin to learn about their sprawling plant collection, why it’s important for queer and trans people of color to connect with nature, and tips on waking up the plant parent in all of us.

Why is nature essential to human well-being?

From the air we breathe to the food we eat, we would not be here without plants. It’s important people understand that. Also, with the way technology has uprooted us — all puns intended — it has taken us away from the basic simple beauties that nature puts before us. Bringing nature into your home is a lovely way to reconnect with that simple beauty.

How should we care for nature inside our homes and workspaces?

Do the proper research and look up the natural habitats of the plants you bring home. Are they used to growing on trees or in the shade? Try to mimic that scene for the plant, such as humidity and sunlight. Also, make sure the plant has proper room to spread its roots. They need room. And practice patience, trust in yourself, and in the plant as well.

Have you ever had a hard time with a particular plant?

I went through many fiddle-leaf figs (ficus lyrata); she’s known to be a very moody queen in the plant world, but I don’t consider her moody. She’s a queen that knows what she likes, and if you’re not going to give it to her, she’ll drop her leaves. I struggled with that plant; I kept moving her around, and she didn’t like it. She couldn’t establish herself. Many of mine are in the little botanical garden in the sky.

Plants remind us of the different ways we need to care for ourselves. We need room to grow, water, sunlight, air — I incorporate those elements into my every day.

Plant Kween

What are some tips for becoming a great plant parent?

Have a sense of curiosity. You’re caring for something living and breathing that has a history. Be curious; learn about that plant, but also learn about yourself.

For me, I over water — that’s how I kill most of my plants. I realized I’m an over-nurturer; I learned too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, so I had to adjust.

You’ve killed plants? Don’t you have a green thumb?

I don’t believe in the green thumb myth — it’s an anxiety-provoking phrase. People feel you must have these “skills” to take care of plants. That’s not true. You just have to allow yourself to learn.

plant kween interview with pk holding calathea

plant kween interview with pk standing with plants on a table

What advice do you have for someone who is feeling stressed about caring for a particular plant?

It’s a natural feeling to have; some plants are just difficult to care for.

I would encourage them to reassess. Maybe that plant is just not the plant for your space, or maybe it was not going to survive no matter what you did. I have over 225 plants, but I’m not going to even count how many plants I’ve had that trial-and-error moment with.

If a plant is stressing you out, give it away. Give it to a person who is equipped with better space or more time. I’ve given tons of plants away. I check on them, and they’re all doing great.

Research shows that talking to your plants helps them grow. Do you talk to your plants. If so, what kinds of conversations do you have with them?

Yes, I do talk to my plants sometimes, but it’s more for me than for my plants, like a motivational talk. “You are growing, girls!” It’s a reminder that I can keep growing, too; I’m like a medium having a conversation with myself.

They say the same thing about playing music for your plants. Research suggests there are soundwaves that impact the cellular interaction of the plants, which may help them grow. The more probable thing is a person speaking or playing music is providing top-level care for their plants.

Do your plants talk back? Or communicate with you?

All the time. [People] are basically houseplants with complex emotions, so a lot of things plants go through, we go through, too. Sometimes our plants get stagnant, and they stop growing — same with us. We all need room to grow. Sometimes plants need to let go of yellowing leaves and concentrate their energy elsewhere, like us. My plants speak to me, and it’s important for me to listen.

What do your plants say to you?

They tell me when they need water — that’s when they wilt. Certain plants are literally screaming at me: “Girl, I need a drink!” I investigate what are the better ways I can care for this plant, and then I do it.

How is your love for plants related to fashion or your lifestyle?

I am a person who is really inspired by the different leaf shapes of particular plants, so sometimes I use that for fashion inspiration, like a silhouette I want to wear. But on a deeper level, when you’re caring for plants in your home, there’s an appreciation for what the earth is providing. I’ve changed some of my own behaviors around sustainability and how I can be better for the planet, because I understand how fragile nature can be.

How are plants part of a wellness routine?

Studies show plants reduce our level of anxiety and stress. I have been navigating anxiety for most of my life, and plants have provided me with an opportunity to just sit still. Gardening is my meditation, so every day I interact with my plants in a very intentional way.

I’m a routine queen. I love my routine; it helps me feel grounded. Plants remind us of the different ways we need to care for ourselves. We need room to grow, water, sunlight, air — I incorporate those elements into my every day.

How are you and plants creating conversation in the QTPOC (queer and trans people of color) space?

As a Black person, and understanding some of the historical trauma that Black folks have experienced with nature, in times of slavery, it’s a reclaiming and reimagining of what that interaction can look like for me. And as a queer, non-binary person who is constantly reimagining and redefining my place in this world, my plants give me space for rest, rejuvenation, and relaxation. Plus, there’s the need for Black, queer, non-binary joy, and plants are my way to experience joy.

With regard to representation, I remember when I started the PlantKween Instagram account, I didn’t put myself in the picture. Then I started looking around the digital community and realized there can always be more Black, queer, non-binary, and trans folks engaging with horticulture. We deserve representation and visibility in these spaces.

What are some of your favorite plants?

I love succulents, mainly because there are so many different varieties in all parts of the world, which speaks to their resiliency. Another fave is, obviously, the pothos, and, in particular, the variegated version, marble queen pothos, my very first plant. And monstera deliciosa, aka the Swiss cheese plant. I have a 30-year-old one near and dear to my heart, and it has been growing wonderfully.

What are some care tips for the 2023 Plant of the Year, the calathea rattlesnake?

Calatheas are known to be queens that will brown very easily on the tips. So, my number one tip for taking care of them is to make sure they are in a humid place. Calathea are understory plants (plants that grow naturally in low-light conditions); they’re used to those humid, shaded environments. A bathroom, or any room with a humidifier, is a wonderful place for that plant. Be mindful of how you water it, too, as it may need more water than other plants.

You live in Brooklyn, where space is often limited. Do you have any advice on how plant lovers can turn their small spaces into their own personal oasis?

Get creative. I encourage folks to take time with their space. When I moved into mine, I ordered pizza and sat on the floor and mapped out the space, just watched the sun move through the space. It was so peaceful, calm, and meditative.

Get to know your space. Where are the heaters? The AC? The cold drafts? The warm drafts? Is there central air? For smaller spaces, go vertical. I put up all this shelving in my space and applied grow lights where I didn’t have a lot of lighting. I put plants on a utility cart. Get creative, have fun, and don’t stress out. That’s how to reinvigorate the plant parent within you.

Learning to Care for Your First Orchid

The orchid is a flower that exemplifies elegance. This tropical beauty worked Europeans into a hysteria known as Orchideliruim in the 1800s, during which it became fashionable to pay premium prices at auction for the blossoms.

Today, centuries of careful breeding practices have made this once-rare flower accessible to any indoor plant lover. Are you considering adding an orchid to your plant collection? This article will teach you about orchid care, as well as interesting facts about this flower, its origins, and the different types of orchids.

What is an orchid?

Having flourished since the time of the dinosaurs, orchids are considered one of the largest and oldest plant families on the planet. More than 30,000 unique species of orchids are found worldwide, and modern breeding practices have resulted in an additional 150,000 hybrids.

What sets orchids apart from most flowers is their growing strategy. Orchids don’t grow in the soil but rather are epiphytes (air plants) that root themselves to trees and rocks. There, they capture water and nutrients from the surrounding air with their exposed roots.

Today, wild orchids face environmental threats due to pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change, to the point that many varieties are at risk of extinction. For these reasons, you should avoid purchasing wild-harvested plants and only buy orchids from legitimate vendors. This lets you enjoy their beauty at home without compromising the ones that remain in the wild.

Orchid myths and color meanings

Orchids are associated with a lot of symbolism. This elegant flower has long been linked to ideas of love, thoughtfulness, and fertility. The color you choose is believed to carry certain significance, especially when given as a gift.

Blue: Peace, beauty, and tranquility
White: Innocence, reverence, and humility
Purple: Respect, admiration, and royalty
Pink: Femininity, charm, and grace
Yellow: Joy and friendship
Green: Health, nature, and financial good fortune
Orange: Pride, enthusiasm, and having fun

While this symbolism is fun to consider, the right orchid color for you will always be the one you love the most. Don’t limit your selection based on these color connotations! Instead, consider the care instructions and traits of different varieties.

Orchid varieties

Below are the three most common types of beginner-friendly orchids available.

Phalaenopsis

Considered a symbol of health and prosperity, this Southeast Asian native produces flowers in a range of colors and patterns, and tends to blossom in slightly cooler weather. It’s one of the most popular orchids due to its large flowers and ease of care, and it comes in purple, white, and blue varieties.

Dendrobium

This orchid variety hails from Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, and is considered a symbol of wisdom and beauty. Wild dendrobiums usually bloom in the early spring to mid-summer and are available in various colors, including yellow, brown, pink, and purple.

It’s a robust grower and will send up new flower canes every year. But, unlike other varieties, you shouldn’t trim the spent flower stems of this orchid until there are three or more in a pot.

Oncidium

You can find this delicate orchid growing throughout North and South America, where it blooms from spring to fall. Oncidium is a diverse family that thrives in a vast range of habitats. Many varieties have names that sound as dynamic as their coloration, including tiger crow, wildcat, dancing lady, and ram’s head.

Pay close attention to the care instructions for your chosen variety, as they can vary significantly from one to the next.

How to care for an orchid plant

You can best enjoy orchids at home by staying mindful of their tropical origins. They do well when grown in pots of bark or moss that mimic the tree branches they call home in the wild, and most varieties need lots of filtered light. Placing them in east-facing windows is ideal, as it exposes them to early morning light that’s not too harsh. If you only have south- or west-facing windows, place a sheer or thin sheet over your orchids to protect them from the strong rays of the sun.

orchid care with woman caring for white orchid

Keep your flowers at temperatures between 65° and 90° F, being careful not to place your orchids in the path of a vent or draft. Provide them with a balanced fertilizer (20-20-20 ratio is recommended) every few weeks. Most need to be watered every five to seven days, though the roots should stay moist in between.

Alfred Palomares, VP, merchandising at 1-800-Flowers.com, offers a helpful trick to keeping orchids properly watered. “Add three ice cubes a week for a full-size orchid,” he says. “The key is to ensure the growing medium does not get dry and, at the same time, make sure the roots do not sit in water. This can lead to root rot.”

Under proper conditions, you can expect each bloom to last two months or longer before fading. Once the flower is finished, cut its stem back to about an inch above the planting line and continue watering as usual. The orchid is entering a temporary resting stage, during which it will start to stockpile energy before producing the next bloom. Care for it like normal, and the flower stalk should soon grow back.

Some orchid species, such as phalaenopsis, do best when replanted every few years. Others get stressed when their roots are moved, so make sure you understand the specific requirements for your variety before considering upgrading your pot.

How to care for cut orchids

If your orchids arrive in a box, take them out and cut one inch off the bottom of each stem on a slant with clean, sharp scissors or shears. This gives the stems more surface area to draw up water and ensures that the flowers will stay well hydrated. Orchids arriving in a vase will already be cut on an angle and shouldn’t need to be recut right away.

Fill a clean vase with water three-fourths of the way to the top, then add the packet of flower food to the water before arranging the flowers in the vase.

You can make your own food for several changes of water with this little recipe:

3/4 teaspoon household bleach
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon sugar

This recipe is for one quart of water. The bleach will keep the water clear and bacteria free, the lemon juice stabilize the acidity of the water, and the sugar will provide food for the flowers.

To keep your orchids fresh for as long as possible, follow these four simple steps:

Change the water every two to four days and add more flower food each time. If the water begins to get cloudy, change it immediately.
Recut each stem on an angle each time you change the water.
Discard any flowers that have faded and are past their prime.
Keep the orchids in a cool environment (65° F to 72° F) out of direct sunlight. At night, put them in the coolest room of the house out of the way of drafts from heating or cooling vents.

5 Green House Plants That Are Easy to Grow

If you’re looking for a way to revamp your home, consider the appeal of a green house plant. For a small investment, house plants offer a host of incredible and tangible benefits.

From acting as natural air filters to increasing productivity to helping patients recover from surgery faster, plants can do so much to improve your well-being. Research even shows that filling indoor spaces with plants can lift your mood while lowering your stress levels.

In short, if you care for a house plant, it will take care of you.

Easy-care plants to grow indoors

Not sure which indoor plant to commit to? Consider adding one of the following varieties to your home to create a personal sanctuary.

1. Maidenhair ferns will brighten up your home

The maidenhair fern is a North American native that boasts feather-like foliage in a light-green hue. While it thrives in moist, shaded gardens, it’s also an ideal indoor container plant.

Keep your fern in a shaded location and away from a direct heat source. These plants are slightly fussy about their soil quality and do best with a more alkaline pH, so consider adding ground limestone to the potting mix. They also don’t take well to being replanted, so make sure you choose a container the first time.

Maidenhair ferns need to stay moist, so plan to mist it daily in addition to watering it regularly.

2. Pothos are perfect for new plant parents

House plant novices love the pothos plant for its easy care and the big statement it makes. This tropical native loves living indoors and thrives in low-light conditions, making it ideal for anyone who lacks a green thumb. In fact, it’s renowned for surviving neglect with minimal signs of stress.

Pothos plants grow bright green, heart-shaped leaves on trailing vines that can be trimmed or left long. Many people like to display them on shelves so that their cascading leaves become part of the décor. Just keep in mind that pothos’ leaves are poisonous to both humans and pets, and should stay out of reach of small children.

You don’t need to worry much about soil quality or watering levels, although pothos should be kept out of direct sunlight. If you see signs of yellowing, withering leaves, consider increasing your watering levels.

As your plant grows, you may need to repot it into a larger container to keep the roots healthy.

3. Enjoy easy maintenance with Boston ferns

The Boston fern is beloved for its frilly foliage and low-maintenance care. It makes a perfect hanging plant because it rarely needs to be messed with. Place the fern where it will get plenty of indirect sunlight, water when the soil feels dry, and treat its leaves to a daily misting to keep everything green.

You can also use this versatile ornamental as decoration for your outdoor balcony as long as temperatures stay above 55 degrees.

4. Make a statement with calathea

Add some interest to your home décor with a statement plant like the calathea. This popular variety of prayer plant hails from the Brazilian tropics and thrives in low-light conditions. Plant enthusiasts prize it for foliage that features dramatic stripes and color variations that seem to change with the lighting.

Though some varieties of calathea have a reputation for being temperamental, amateur growers should do fine so long as they monitor their plants for signs of stress. Keep your calathea in a space with indirect light and relatively high humidity. It’s vital that you never let the soil dry out thoroughly. Placing the pot over a tray filled with water and pebbles can suffice (but watch for root rot), and you can boost the humidity further by grouping multiple plants together.

5. Add some charm with English Ivy

Capture the charm of a countryside cottage by decorating with English ivy. This climbing plant is often grown outside but does well indoors in as well.

For best results, keep it away from south-facing windows and other direct sunlight exposure, and let the soil dry thoroughly between waterings. Small amounts of house plant fertilizer will help the ivy retain its bright coloring, but don’t use any during times of temperature extremes, when the plant is already stressed.

As English Ivy is a prodigious grower, plan on frequent pruning to keep it under control. You can also start new plants from cuttings rooted in water.

How to Repot a Plant

Like babies outgrowing their cribs, plants eventually need larger accommodations. Repotting plants is essential; otherwise, their smaller space could cause the plant’s health to deteriorate. Re-planting provides more room for the root system to expand so the plant can continue to grow and remain healthy.

How do you know when it is time to repot a plant?

When a plant appears to be too large for its container, it’s time to repot it. This occurs when the plant is pushing against the wall of the pot. The center of the plant will appear very dense, with little room to breathe and grow. In some cases, depending on the plant, the roots can begin to grow upward around the plant or through the bottom of the plant, which is what is known as root bound.

repot a plant with two women as they repot a plant

How to repot your plant in a new container

First, remove the plant from the old container. Scratch and massage the sides and bottom roots. Loosen them a bit. A kitchen fork is helpful in this task. Add some soil to the bottom of the grower’s pot. Center the plant and position it so there is about a half inch below the edge of the pot when filling with soil.

Water your plant more than once a week. As the plant adjusts and roots begin to grow, the plant will need more water. Keep the plant away from full sunlight, as it will be at a tender stage of acclimating to the new pot. Don’t fertilize for about a month. Now your plant is ready to GROW!

A note for homeowners with a well and water softener: Do not use water from your tap that has gone through a water softener, as this contains salts that are harmful for plants. Use water that bypasses the softener, rainwater, or bottled spring water.

How to keep your plant clean and hydrated

Plants love to take a shower! For smaller plants, your kitchen sink is the perfect place to shower off the leaves and hydrate plants that have been dried out over time. Shower your plant and let the water settle for a few minutes, and then hold the soil portion with your hands and turn your plant over to release any excess water. Dry the leaves with a damp cloth to clean off any residue, and clean your pot exterior. This process not only hydrates your plant but also rinses the soil and refreshes and cleans the leaves.

Remember to dust off your plant leaves in between showers.

Safe placement of your plant

When placing your plant on a surface or the floor, be mindful that condensation between the pot and floor can create staining or even damage the surface permanently. It is best to protect all surfaces by using a plant caddy or cork mat to separate the plant pot base from the floor or tabletop surface. Check the type of light —indirect or direct — that your plant requires. Remember to keep your plants away from air conditioning and heating vents.

Expert Poinsettia Care Tips to Keep Your Plant Thriving After Christmas

Previously known as the “Christmas Star” and “Mexican flame leaf,” this striking bloom caught the attention of Joel Robert Poinsett, an American physician and diplomat on a trip as America’s first ambassador to Mexico. In Mexico, the plant is called “la flor de Nochebuena.” Poinsett introduced the plant to the United States, hence its common English name “poinsettia.”

Poinsettia care year-round

When caring for a poinsettia plant, the most important considerations are temperature, light, and watering. Poinsettias are light-loving plants. They prefer southeasterly, easterly, or western window exposure. Being tropical, they thrive in temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees. At night, you can moved them to a cooler location but not one where the temp is below 60 degrees. In northern climates, keep plants away from drafts and cold windows.

“Poinsettia care starts when you make the purchase,” says Renato Cruz Sogueco, vice president of digital strategy at BloomNet. “Ironically, for a plant beloved during the cool holiday season, poinsettias dislike chilly weather!”

Sogueco advises to avoid buying the poinsettia placed right at the doorway or sold outdoors. Instead, choose the plants inside the shop, insulated within other poinsettias, and look for small, tightly clustered yellow buds in the center. “Inspect the foliage to confirm none are bent or damaged, which may be a sign they were exposed to cold during delivery,” he says.

Check the soil of your plant daily, making sure it is lightly moist but never soggy or overdry. Both dryness and over-watering can cause leaves to droop or fall. A half-hour after watering, check to see that your plant is not sitting in water. If there is excessive water at the bottom, drain it off; this prevents root damage.

Poinsettia facts

The bright colorful leaves of a poinsettia are often mistaken for the flowers of the plant, but the actual flowers are the yellow or green that grows in the center of the colored leaf clusters.
The myth that poinsettias are toxic to pets is just that — a myth. If eaten, the plant may cause irritation to a pet’s mouth or digestive system, but there has never been a recorded report of pet fatality.
Despite being a classic Christmas plant, poinsettias can be updated when planted in an on-point container or made into a holiday wreath, and white poinsettias bring in a tasteful, simple design to a holiday vignette.

poinsettia care Silent Night White Poinsettia — Silent Night White Poinsettia

poinsettia care Disney Mickey Mouse Minnie Mouse Poinsettia — Disney Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse Poinsettia

Poinsettia care after Christmas

While poinsettias are the flower most commonly associated with Christmas, they have overall wintry appeal and are a colorful addition to your plant collection. Do keep in mind, though, that these tropical plants require a good deal of care.

Pro tip: Sogueco notes that if you noticed frost on your trip over to purchase your poinsettia, cover the plant when you load it into the car. Even short exposure to cold could harm the plant.

“With this type of love and attention, you’ll be enjoying the poinsettia’s vibrant-colored leaves for weeks beyond the holiday,” Sogueco says.

How to Keep Your Succulents Alive and Thriving

Succulents are having a moment — and for good reason. From being able to grow just about anywhere to requiring little maintenance, these unique plants have a lot going for them. Such as…

6 reasons to love succulents

1. They can grow almost anywhere

Unlike most common houseplants, they’re not as finicky about water and temperature.

2. They’re the perfect size for small space

You can tuck a little greenery into the corner, up on a shelf, or even on your desk.

3. They’re low maintenance

The biggest problem with succulents occurs when you try to “kill them with kindness.” These plants like to be pretty much left alone.

4. They’re unique

Succulents’ wide, smooth leaves and crisp shapes give them a decidedly modern appearance, making for a very chic presentation when lined up on a long table or clustered on a shelf. They’re even used as non-traditional wedding bouquets (just look up “succulent bouquet” on Instagram).

5. They can be therapeutic

From soothing a burn (aloe vera) to cleaning the air (snake plant), many succulents perform functions beyond just looking pretty on a shelf.

6. They make a great gift

Because of their attractive looks and low maintenance, succulents are ideal plants to gift. Even the most novice green thumb can keep them alive, and they do double duty as an accessory to any home décor.

But wait, what are succulents?

Succulents are any one of a family of drought-resistant plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots. They typically have leaves that are smooth and fleshy in appearance.

Succulent care with "Dig It" Succulent Trio

The most popular succulents include the aforementioned aloe vera and snake plant; other varieties include the jade plant, zebra plant, moonstones, and “hens and chicks.”

Prickly pear and purslane are examples of succulents that you can eat, and air plants (“tillandsia”), cacti, and sedum are all in the succulent family, too.

If we’ve piqued your interest and you’re ready to dive in, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the three basic areas of care that succulents need: soil, light, and water.

Succulent care tip No. 1: Plant your succulents in soil that drains

Succulents are meant to tolerate drought, and regular potting soil is designed to hold water and drain slowly. This can make succulents prone to root rot if they sit for a prolonged period of time in wet soil.

You can avoid root rot in one of two ways:

1. Purchase a soil mix designed specifically for cacti or succulents

These mixes are looser and more porous. They keep the plant stable in its container and hold in a little moisture while still draining thoroughly.

2. Amend a standard potting soil mix

The goal is to adjust the soil so that moisture exits the container quickly. You can make a better soil mix for succulents by adding coarse sand, perlite, pumice, coconut coir, and mineral grit, all of which help aerate the soil and increase drainage.

Succulent care with Succulents by Lula's Garden

Succulent care tip No. 2: Give your succulents plenty of light

Succulents need light, and plenty of it. Ideally, they need six hours a day. If grown in too little light, the plants become leggy and the leaves tend to fade in color. You will also want to rotate your plants frequently, as they tend to “reach for” the light if left sitting in one spot without rotation.

Succulent care tip No. 3: Don’t overwater your succulents

We can’t emphasize this enough: Do not overwater your succulents. Remember, these are drought-tolerant plants, and are designed to withstand long dry spells in their native habitat.

A big part of successful watering has to do with the pot in which you plant your succulent. Terra cotta pots are ideal (especially if you’re just starting out on your succulent journey) because they dry out quickly and pull water away from the soil. Terra cotta is also a naturally “breathable” material, due to its porous properties.

Succulent care with Safari Animal Succulents

While planter material like terra cotta helps, the most essential element is a drainage hole. Whether the planter comes with a pre-drilled hole or you drill one yourself, you want your succulent container to be able to drain out any excess water swiftly and completely.

How to water?

Simply add water to the soil until you see it come out of the drainage hole. Then leave it be. You won’t want to water again until the soil is dried out, which you can check by testing the top inch of soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water. With succulents, less is more.

You can use any tool you like for watering, except for a spray bottle. Spray bottles only mist the surface, so water doesn’t get deep enough into the soil. This can result in plants with thin, shallow roots. Nice strong roots come from a deep and thorough watering. Spray bottles also tend to leave moisture on the leaves, which can result in mold growth. Stick to a pretty pitcher or watering can.

Christmas Cactus Care and Facts

When you think of Christmas flowers, you probably think of poinsettias. And while we love a good poinsettia here at 1-800-Flowers.com, there’s another popular plant during the holiday season called the Christmas cactus.

When you see how unique and festive these flowers are, you’ll be crossing your fingers that Santa leaves one under your tree. And if he does, it’s important that you know how to care for your Christmas cactus.

Christmas cactus fast facts

The Christmas cactus goes by many names. While its scientific name is Schlumbergera bridgesii (try saying that five times fast!), it’s also known as a Thanksgiving cactus, Easter cactus, and orchid cactus.
Christmas cacti can bloom flowers in a wide variety of colors, including red, purple, orange, pink, and cream.
The word “cactus” probably has you picturing a desert and the blazing sun, but Christmas cacti actually thrive in cooler temperatures.
Though Christmas cacti are now sold all over the world, they were once only found in the rainforests of Brazil.
Good news for all you pet owners out there: Christmas cacti are nontoxic to dogs. So while you should never feed your pet their leaves or the stem, little Fido won’t experience any vomiting or diarrhea if he nibbles on them.

5 Christmas cactus care tips

Despite what its name may lead you to believe, Christmas cacti can live long past December. In fact, they can live for up to 20 years with a little TLC and some advice from us.

1. Christmas cacti need cooler temperatures

Christmas cacti will bloom larger and sooner when left in a room that ranges from 60 to 70 degrees. In the winter, in particular, it’s important to keep them away from radiators and fireplaces, and warm windowsills.

2. They need sunlight, but not the direct variety

This is where it gets a little tricky. A Christmas cactus can’t be left in direct sunlight because the sun will dry it out, but it also needs plenty of sunlight. So what’s a cactus enthusiast supposed to do? Your best bet is to leave it in a partially shaded area of your house (or outside, once summer hits) and rotate it every once in awhile.

3. Christmas cacti need their rest

If your cactus’ buds haven’t set yet, the plant needs between 12 and 15 hours of complete darkness a day. Only once its buds have set do cacti thrive on lots of light.

4. Mist your cactus every day

Overwatering will kill your cactus, but that’s not to say it doesn’t get thirsty. Instead of watering it like you would a traditional plant, you should mist your cactus every day. A few squirts from a spray bottle is all you need to keep your cactus happy. The only time you should be watering the base of the plant is when its soil is completely dry to the touch.

5. Christmas cacti need nutrient-rich soil

Christmas cacti are hardy plants and can survive in tougher soils, but the best option for them is well-drained soil that’s made up of partially organic matter. While you can always buy organic soil, you can also treat your cacti like a mini compost and toss in organic matter that you would otherwise throw out.

Christmas cactus gift ideas

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Winter Plant Care Tips from Expert Jerry Rosalia

Caring for plants year round is important to ensure they live a long and prosperous life. During the cold months, winter plant care can be a bit more difficult. Below, I’ve provided some helpful winter plant care tips to get your green friends through the cold season.

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Caring for large plants during winter months

Large house plants do well if you keep them clean. Do this by gently wiping their leaves of grime and dust. Doing this twice a year helps the plant grow and breathe.

While rinsing, be on guard for scale, mealybugs, and spider mites. Mealybugs look like little specks of cotton. If you still see mealybugs after rinsing, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap.

In cold climates, keep plants away from or against windows, and away from heat sources. Poinsettias like moist soil, but make sure to not over water and drown them.

Winter care for poinsettias

Poinsettias are on sale almost everywhere you shop during the holiday season. Before purchasing them, make sure you inspect them for white flies or eggs, as these can go airborne and infest other plants in your home.

The onset of winter means less daylight is available. During this time of year, most house plants are semi-dormant, so it’s important to cut down on the watering. It’s also best to not fertilize until early spring. Southern states may be a little different depending on how hot the temperatures are during the winter months.

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in some of our other Petal Talk articles from 1-800-Flowers.com expert Jerry Rosalia: