Most flowering houseplants will last longer if kept cool, such as a constant 10-15C (50-60F), but always avoid chills at night (most common if plants are displayed on windowsills) and excessive warmth from central heating. Water plants by standing the pot in a few centimetres of water, remove and allow to drain before replacing the pot in its flowering position.
Cyclamen persicum hybrids
Indoor
cyclamen are derived from a wild species native to the Middle
East. Modern hybrids include those with silver marbled leaves,
frilled petals, fragrant blooms and miniatures, varying in
height from 15cm (6in) to 30cm (12in) in a range of flower
colours.
With care, cyclamen will bloom for several months and will flower again in future years. Buy a plant with plenty of buds showing under the foliage and avoid any plants with drooping or yellow leaves. Choose a brightly lit situation away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Occasional drying out of the compost is less harmful than overwatering.
Remove spent flowers by twisting the stem and giving a sharp pull, to avoid leaving part stems behind. After flowering, continue careful watering and feeding until leaves yellow, then reduce watering as the plant becomes dormant for the summer. As new growth appears replace the top few centimetres of compost in the pot with fresh compost and resume regular watering. Some plants remain evergreen through summer.
Euphorbia pulcherrima (poinsettia)
Modern
cultivars of this deciduous shrub produce dwarf, bushy plants,
and the coloured bracts should last for up to six months,
depending on the growing conditions.
Position plants in bright conditions but out of burning direct sunlight and water thoroughly once the surface of the compost begins to dry out. Avoid chills and draughts as poinsettias need warmth and are probably the best choice in homes with central heating. A humid atmosphere will prolong bract life so mist regularly.
Hard prune and repot in April prior to growing on in a cool, light place through summer.
Rhododendron simsii (indoor or Indian azalea)
This
half-hardy species will grow to between 20 and 45cm (8-18in)
high. They usually flower in spring but are forced into early
flower for the Christmas trade and need similar growing conditions
to outdoor azaleas - cool, moist and shady. If the compost
dries out the plant will almost certainly die. Water by plunging
the pot into a deep container of tepid water (preferably rainwater)
until bubbles cease to appear, drain and place in the potholder
or on a pebble tray to maintain humidity. A sunny windowsill
during winter is ideal.
In mid-April, repot in ericaceous compost and feed with a high potassium liquid feed at weekly intervals. Plants can be stood outdoors in a cool, shady site for the summer if kept constantly moist, but must be brought indoors before danger of frost.
Solanum capsicastrum
The winter cherry is a half-hardy evergreen shrub. White flowers produced in June and July are followed by inedible fruits that gradually ripen to orange or red.
Choose a cool, bright situation on a sunny windowsill but avoid a dry atmosphere or overwatering. After the berries have past their best, prune stems back by half and reduce watering so that the compost is almost dry. In April, repot and resume normal watering, starting to feed as for azaleas from May. Growth and fruit production will be better if plants are stood outside for the summer.