Give a living plant this year for long-term beauty
It’s almost Valentine’s Day and you might be thinking of sending your loved one cut flowers – but wouldn’t it be nice if you got the beauty of flowers but they lasted longer?
There are several potted plants available at this time of year that would make a great Valentine’s Day gift, especially if your loved one is a gardener 🙂
1. Cyclamen
I love the looks of a cyclamen, but they can be a bit tricky. They prefer cooler temps so you may see yellowing of the leaves if the temperatures are too high (about 70 F). However, it can’t survive temperatures below 50 F as it is a tropical plant. It is important not to over water or under water this plant and be sure to water at the soil level, not on the leaves.
Pour enough water to soak into the soil and let the extra water drain away. Once the flowers are gone, you can reduce watering. Fertilize every month at half strength. Light conditions that favor the cyclamen are bright indirect light.
Cyclamen can be found as indoor plants in shades of red, white, and pink. The leaves are so pretty with an interesting pattern on them.
2. Kalanchoe
This low-maintenance house plant can be found in shades or red, pink yellow, and white. The leaves are thick and waxy as this is a succulent. It prefers bright indirect light and requires very little watering.
Overwatering is the biggest danger to this plant, so be sure the soil dries out in between watering. Fertilize once a month.
If you don’t get much indoor light, then the plant will start to look leggy.
3. Calla Lily
The calla lily is such an elegant flower and pretty simple to care for as well. My favorite color is white, but they come in shades of purple, yellow, red, and pink. They prefer bright indirect light and if you notice your plant leaning toward the light, you will need to rotate it to keep it even. They like moist soil, so be careful not to let the soil dry out.
Overwatering can cause the rhizome to rot though, so pay careful attention to your soil. You might even want to mist this plant to increase humidity. Once the flowers are gone, you can reduce watering. Fertilize once a month until the flowers die.
The best thing about this indoor plant is that you can move it outdoors in the summer and it will make a great addition to your garden. Plant in full sun.
4. Orchids
I absolutely love orchids. They are so beautiful, but also a fickle bloomer. They are a challenge to get to rebloom unless you find the perfect window with bright, indirect light. Mine rebloom often in the winter.
You can find different species of orchids in most stores and in shades of magenta and white. Phalaenopsis are the easiest to care for and most commonly found in stores. These orchids prefer bright indirect light and must not be overwatered.
The easiest way to water you orchids is to place 3 ice cubes on top of the planting medium about every 5 days. Use orchid fertilizer about once a month.
5. Begonias
Begonias make a wonderful indoor flowering plant too and they’re pretty easy to take care of – just a little bright indirect light and evenly moist soil will do. Flowering begonias come in pinks, whites, reds, and yellows. There are many different types, so just ask your local florist or garden center for specific care instructions.
