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HOUSEPLANT HELP!

 

 

THE QUESTION:  How can I get my Christmas Cactus to bloom again in time for the Holidays?

With just a little extra effort, you can get beautiful blooms just in time for the holidays!

 

The Answer:  Holiday cactus need short days beginning on about October 1 to bloom in December.  Place the plant in an area that is completely dark for at least 14 hours.  Once the pinpoint-sized flower buds appear, put the plant into regular household conditions. 

The cactus requires cool nights during the short days (55-60 degrees F) and less water.  Keep the cactus oriented toward any light source the same way in the short day area and the regular household conditions.  Otherwise, the flower buds may drop.

~Jo Ann Robbins, PhD Horticulture

University of Idaho

Jerome County Extension

Jerome, Idaho

 

 

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Hypoestes phyllostachya

"Polka Dot Plant"

Give your friends

a Polka Dot!

It's pretty easy to tell just how the "Polka-dot plant" got its name, most likely from the bright pink dots that are splattered upon its dark green foliage. 

The polka dot plant needs bright, filtered sunlight for best color development; but not full sun.

This little plant will do very well on a kitchen counter out of a window, with an occasional misting to help with its humidity requirements.

The soil should be kept slightly moist, but not soggy.  In the springtime, check your Polka-dot to see if it needs repotting.  Repot with a rich soil mix. 

Polka-dot plants tend to get scraggly as they age.  To keep your plant looking its bushy-best, keep it pinched back to between 12 and 16 inches tall.  Place the cuttings in glass of water and easily create brand new plants. 

 

 

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