The doldrums of winter evoke boredom for those who love to be outside in the garden. However, there are indoor plant projects which may peak one’s interest and bring prolific blooms into the home during winter’s darkest days. Forcing springtime bulbs and holiday cactus can brighten dreary days.
Holiday Cactus
Holiday cactus can be forced into bloom for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter holidays. Members of the Schlumbergera family will bloom most any time if they are properly handled. These require periods of dormancy, either by chilling or placing in a darkened area before bringing into a warm, filtered light to encourage blooming. Do not water during the chilling period.
Narcissus and Amaryllis
Paper-whites or other narcissus are easily forced into bloom. These do well when planted in variety of mediums and produce beautiful, white flowers to enlighten melancholy moods. Bulbs may be placed in soil, sand or pebbles. Well-drained, airy soil is a key to success. Vermiculite can be mixed into the potting medium. Place your pot into a darkened area for two to four weeks, then bring out into filtered light. Keep the bottom of the bulb moist to encourage a root system to develop and thus present the showy blossoms.
Amaryllis flowers during the winter as well and offers a variety of colors for indoor decorating. A single stem will emerge bringing a brilliant burst of blooms on each stem. Treat the same as paper-whites for a dramatic display. Combine with holiday greenery for an elegant indoor exhibit.
Spring Bulbs Bloom in Winter
Tulips, crocus and hyacinths may be forced into bloom during the winter as well. Pre-chilled bulbs may be available; these go straight into containers to begin the blooming process. If using bulbs that are not pre-chilled, place into pots and chill for a few weeks. Chilling works best in a darkened area where temperatures are cold, but above freezing. This is when the root system develops for this type of bulb.
Always begin with large, firm bulbs for best results. An eight-week chilling period is normal, but some bulbs are more cooperative and can be ready to bring inside in as little as four weeks. Allow plenty of time for this process and marvel when spring comes early inside the home.
During bloom time keep bulbs moist, avoid over-watering. When blooms begin to fade, decrease watering and plant outside after danger of frost has passed. Blooms may not occur the first year, but most forced bulbs will eventually blossom again outside.
Liven up the dreary days of winter by giving Mother Nature a nudge. Forcing blooms can create a sense of springtime during the darkest seasons and alleviate the cabin fever many gardeners experience.
