Winter care for indoor plants

How to care for indoor flowering plants (November to December)

Poinsetta
Light: Bright light but out of direct sun.
Water: Allow soil surface to just dry between waterings then thoroughly soak. Do not let the plant stand in water.
Temperature: Prefers a daytime temp of 18-21 degrees C (65-70 degrees F). Avoid areas of dry heat such as TVs, forced air registers, radiators, etc. which will dry out your leaves.
What to expect: Will last 2-3 months.

Norfolk Island Pine
Light: Bright indirect light
Water: Consistently moist allowing soil surface to just dry to the touch. Do not allow plant to become waterlogged or sit in water. Mist foliage in dry heated home.
Temperature: Prefers a daytime temp of 18-21 degrees C (65-70 degrees F), nightime 15-18 degrees C (60-65 degrees F).
What to expect: Evergreen house plant that can be carefully decorated for Christmas.
Tip: To develop a straight stem, turn plant frequently.

Cyclamen
Light: Bright indirect light
Water: Only allow soil sace to dry between waterings, then moisten. Do not allow plant to sit in water or soil to become waterlogged as root rot quickly spreads to the bulb.
Temperature: Daytime temp of 15-21 degrees C (55-70 degrees F), nightime 13-18 degrees C (55-65 degrees F).
What to expect: Will last 2-4 months each bloom lasting 2-3 weeks.
Tip: Spent flowers should be removed with a gentle twisting pull.

Gardenia
Light: Bright light but not direct sun (can be put outside in shady spot in summer after frost).
Water: Keep soil consistently moist. Do not let the plant sit in water. As a houseplant place a wide saucer filed with gravel underneath plant and water as needed.
Temperature: Daytime 21-24 degrees C (70-75 degrees F), nightime 17-18 degrees C (62-65 degrees F).
What to expect: Fragrant white flowers last 3-4 days for 2-3 months.
Tip: Acid base fertilizers: 15-30-15 when in bud and flower, 25-10-10 when in active growth. Do not mist plant when in bud or bloom.

Azalea
Light: Bright indirect light (can be put outside in shady spot in summer after frost).
Water: Keep soil consistently moist. Do not let the plant sit in water. As a houseplant place a wide saucer filed with gravel underneath plant and water as needed.
Temperature: Daytime 21-24 degrees C (70-75 degrees F), nightime 17-18 degrees C (62-65 degrees F).
What to expect: If kept cool, plant lasts 2-4 weeks.
Tip: After blooming, use acid base fertilizer and pinch off any developing seed heads. transplant if necessary at this time.