Out
On A Limb / February 2006
Love in Bloom
By Linda Watkins
Candy may be dandy, but if the recipient feels obligated to eat the entire box in two day’s time, it can be hard on the diet. That leaves jewelry, lacy underwear, or a beautiful arrangement of roses that won’t last all that long.
Consideration, then, should be given to a live plant - not simply a green philodendron or pot of ivy but one with lovely blooms that will last much longer than a vase of cut flowers. A flowering houseplant can be placed near a window or under a light -providing chandelier where it will offer a bright spot of color through the dark winter months.
Florist shops and shopping centers offer many possibilities. Cyclamens, kalanchoes, African violets, even orchids are blooming, ready to be welcomed into a new home.
The showy cyclamen makes an excellent choice. With bright flowers of pink, rose, mauve and white, cyclamen makes the perfect Valentine – even the leaves are heart-shaped! Accustomed to growing in woodlands of the Mediterranean, it doesn’t really want bright sunshine. On a table by the window, it should receive only the less intense morning or evening sunlight. Drafts aren’t a concern, since cyclamen prefers cooler temperatures. Care of cyclamen involves pulling out dead flowers by their stems and filling the saucer under the plant with water, letting it absorb water rather than pouring it directly onto the center of the plant. Occasional fertilizing with a balanced houseplant fertilizer should keep cyclamen blooming till spring.
When the home décor runs more to reds and yellows, a kalanchoe (pronounced kal an ko ee) may be what is needed. It’s the plant for people who have trouble remembering to water their plants as it can withstand a reasonable amount of water neglect. It needs only 3 – 4 hours a day of indirect light but tolerates most light levels well. Even with inattention, kalanchoe will provide four to eight weeks of blooming pleasure.
African violets may bring back memories of a grandmother or aunt who favored these dainty flowers. Grandmother said they shouldn’t be watered from the top, and she was right. It won’t hurt the plants, but it can cause unsightly marks on the fuzzy foliage. Unlike many house plants that require a high degree of humidity, dry indoor air doesn’t bother them. Aside from watering from the bottom and placing them where they get good indirect light, African violets aren’t hard to grow – and are well-worth the effort.
For a really dramatic Valentine, there are many many orchids available today for reasonable prices. Those who associate orchids with weighty, immense purple flowers from their prom dates should take another look. Today they can be bought in many sizes and colors – graceful sprays of small blossoms that bring the exotic into the home. Unfortunately, their care is more complex and will require some research. But even for Valentines who won’t be maintaining them for the future, orchids will provide a lot of enjoyment for the next several weeks.
As with any gift, packaging is critical. Decorated gift bags can be used very effectively, eliminating wrapping paper and those tricky ribbons. The plant can be slipped easily into one of the bags along with a meaningful card.
If more of a presentation is desired, there are many ways to dress up the gift. An African violet could be set in an antique china or silver sugar bowl. Three kalanchoes could be lined up in a wicker bread basket. A large cyclamen could be placed in a new ice bucket, perhaps set on an upturned small bowl to give it height.
Gifts of potted plants aren’t just for women. Many men’s offices could be made more attractive with a gift of ivy – or even a cactus, if neglect is anticipated. Give a Valentine plant to a child, with an attached small watering can to keep them from drowning the plant.
A plant is a perfect gift giving solution for a teacher, a friend or a relative not seen often enough.
Linda Watkins is a Master Gardener of Wood County and the President of the Garden Council of Wood County.
Copyright © 2005-2006 A Woman's View. All rights reserved.
Femme Fair 2006
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