When the days are short and many plants are dormant during this time of year, I am always drawn to anything is green or blooming. I love putting out fresh greenery and poinsettias, but there are two other winter-blooming plants that are eye-catching at Christmas and will continue growing throughout the year.
Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera bridgesi, is one of my favorite houseplants. This cactus is unique because it grows as an epiphyte, which means it’s a non-parasitic plant that grows in leaf litter on tree branches or rock crevices. Christmas cactus is native to the Organ Mountain range north of Rio de Jaineiro, Brazil.
I have one that is blooming right now with some beautiful, showy white flowers, but they also bloom in pink, red, and purple. Christmas cactus sets blooms when the days get shorter and nights get longer and when nighttime temperatures are between 50-55 degrees.
Christmas cactus is beautiful to grow all year with arching, dark green stem segments. These plants are very easy to care for. Use a well-draining soil and let it dry slightly between watering. Like most cacti, this one does not like to be overwatered. My Christmas cactus did well on an east facing porch all year long, and I am really enjoying the beautiful blooms this year.
Another winter-blooming plant that I enjoy is Cyclamen. These plants with their heart-shaped leaves and bright, soft petals are hard to resist when I see them on display this time of year. The best thing about cyclamen is that they will bloom almost continuously indoors if they are watered regularly, fed with a water-soluble fertilizer, and placed near a window with morning sun.
Clyclamen, cyclamen persicum, is part of the primrose family. You can plant them outdoors in a spot that is bright, but not full sunlight. Be sure to plant them in a spot with good drainage because they don’t like soggy soil. Cyclamen can handle cold weather down to the mid-20’s, but you might get bloom damage during a freeze. These upright, cheerful blooms are so fun to have around in the winter!
For more information about growing winter-blooming plants, contact Kate Whitney at the Williamson County Extension Office at 521-943-3300.
