Caring for Gift Plants

Gerald "Jerry" Filipski

Holidays and special occasions seem to bring an influx of plants into our homes.

Whether it’s a brilliant red poinsettia at Christmas, a pastel azalea for Easter, or a graceful orchid for Mother’s Day, gift plants are symbols of celebration, generosity, and beauty. Yet these can fade quickly once the season passes, leaving gardeners wondering if they were meant to be temporary decorations rather than lasting companions.

The truth lies somewhere in between. While some gift plants are grown and sold for short-term enjoyment, with proper care, many can thrive long after their moment in the spotlight. The secret is knowing what each plant needs and adjusting our expectations.

Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Perhaps no plant is more synonymous with Christmas than the poinsettia. Those bold red, white, or pink bracts (the coloured leaves surrounding the true flowers) instantly brighten winter homes.

Light: Bright, indirect sunlight, like a south or west-facing window, but avoid harsh midday rays.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, discarding excess water.

Temperature: Warm days (18–22°C) and cooler nights (15–17°C), avoiding drafts, heating vents, and cold windows.

After the Holidays: Cut back the plant to 15 cm, place it outdoors after frost, and fertilize lightly. In the fall, bring it back inside and encourage reblooming by providing 14–16 hours of complete darkness each night.

Azaleas (Rhododendron)

Azaleas are often sold in bloom around Easter and Mother’s Day. Their clusters of pink, red, or white flowers are stunning.

Light: Bright, cool spot with indirect sunlight.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist with distilled water (avoid hard tap water), and discard excess water.

Temperature: Cooler conditions, ideally 10–15°C at night.

Long-Term Care: Gift azaleas are usually greenhouse-grown florists’ varieties and are not hardy enough to survive a winter outdoors, but you can move their pot outdoors after the last frost or keep them indoors. Prune lightly after blooming and re-pot in acidic soil.

Orchids (Phalaenopsis and Others)

Once considered exotic, orchids — especially the moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) — have become one of the most popular gift plants. Their graceful flower spikes can bloom for months.

Light: Bright, indirect light, ideally an east-facing window.

Watering: Water once a week, and discard excess water.

Humidity: Keep humidity high by placing the pot on a tray of pebbles and water.

Reblooming: After the flowers fade, cut the flower spike back to a node to encourage a side shoot, or remove it entirely to allow the plant to rest. With proper care, orchids will rebloom once a year.

Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)

Cyclamen brighten winter months with butterfly-like flowers in shades of pink, white, and red.

Light: Bright, indirect light.

Watering: Bottom water when the soil is dry and avoid wetting the crown of the plant to prevent rot.

Temperature: Cool temperatures will lengthen the blooming period.

Dormancy: Cyclamen naturally go dormant after flowering. The leaves yellow and die back, but the tuber can be kept dry in a cool spot, then restarted in the fall.

I believe that gift plants are treasures, bringing beauty and joy into our homes during special seasons. With a bit of attention and care, many can reward us with weeks, months, or even years of enjoyment. When their time is done, we can appreciate them for the happiness they brought, just as we would a bouquet of flowers.

General Care for Gift Plants

• While each plant has its own quirks, a few general principles apply.
• Remove or puncture foil wraps so water can drain.
• Avoid drafts such as heating vents, fireplaces, and cold windows, which can shorten a plant’s life.
• Fertilize sparingly while in bloom. After blooming, use a weak, balanced fertilizer.
• Set realistic expectations, as some plants are bred for short-term enjoyment rather than longevity.

Jerry has been the gardening columnist for the Edmonton Journal for over thirty-five years and has appeared in the Calgary Herald and other Canadian publications. Jerry has also authored Just Ask Jerry: Good Answers to Tough Canadian Gardening Questions.