Hunt County Master GardenersTexas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Christmas Cactus

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Christmas Cactus by Byron Chitwood, Master Gardener.

Guess what? Christmas cactus are named because they tend to bloom about Christmas time. However, they are also called Thanksgiving Cactus, Crab Cactus and Holiday Cactus. When I was a kid, we called them “live forevers”. Live forevers will be described later in this article.

The Christmas cactus is a native of southeast Brazil and primarily grows at an altitude of 2-7 thousand feet in mountainous areas. In Brazil, they are called “Flor de Maio” because they bloom in early summer. Christmas cactus are one of the cacti families. However, their growing conditions are similar to that of Orchids. They grow on the moss of trees and rocky environments where the humidity is relatively high. The flowers of the Christmas can range from white to red to purple with pink, yellow, and orange filling in the blanks.

Christmas cactus make an excellent house plant with minimum care required. They can grow in a shallow bowl filled with a soil consisting of a mixture of potting soil and coarse sand. They do require attention to their water needs. They do best if the soil is kept slightly moist. Too much or too little water can be detrimental to their overall health. Too much water can kill the plants and if left in a dry condition can do the same. To feed them, add a small amount of well composted vegetation to the top of the soil that they are planted in. The plants do not need a whole lot of sunlight so keep them in an area with a north window during the winter and a south window in the summer.

The plants can be made to bloom at the appropriate time such as Thanksgiving or Christmas. Cover the plants with a dark cloth or place them in a dark closet for at least 16 hours per day. The ideal temperature for this process is 61 degrees Fahrenheit. Start this dark treatment about 2 weeks before you would like the plants to bloom. After eight days of the darkness treatment, move the plant to its normal position in the house and the blooms that have set in the darkness will mature.

Young Christmas cactus plants can be purchased at your favorite nursery or gardening center. However, if you have a friend that grows them maybe if you talk real nice to him or her that person will give you a few leaves which are actually the stems of the plants. Plant each of the leaves in a potting soil made up of 1/3 each of coarse sand, and well composted leaves or other organic plant matter and native soil. Plant the each of the leaves to a depth of about 1/4 of its length in the potting soil. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, and within about two weeks the leaf will develop roots. Transfer to a larger pot and it will grow.

As I mentioned before, Christmas cactus were sometimes referred to as “live forevers” because you could start with one leaf or segment of the plant and over the years, harvest some of the leaves and repot them for gifts or to perpetuate your own plant virtually forever.

Hanging Baskets

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Hanging Baskets by June Morgan, Master Gardener.

Hanging baskets can add much to the outdoor porch and deck summer decor, but it can be a challenge to keep them looking their best. Proper siting, basket design and proper watering are key elements of good management.

The best setting is a protected area which allows sunlight from above or the sides such as a deck canopy out of the strong winds which will tear the plants apart.  In contrast to the ordinary solid plastic container, the larger mesh basket is the most visually effective while also holding the most soil and plants. Also, coco fiber or sphagnum moss looks more natural when viewed from below. Coco fiber is a natural insulator against the heat and helps to keep the soil evenly supported inside the fiber liner. Some ambitious gardeners have their baskets made to order from a metal shop using special ornamental effects.

To set up a basket from scratch, start with a fiber layer, then a plastic sheet with holes in the bottom. Add a soil-free potting mix that includes water holding crystals, then add a slow-release fertilizer. If using sphagnum moss soak it overnight before using. Now, one can get creative with plants. Try an upward growing plant such as coleus and surround it with a vine such as one of the many ivies or trailing pelargoniums. Further plant additions can be made by wrapping roots in paper for protection while slipping them through side slits into the potting mixture.

Watering baskets is more challenging than for ground plants. Quite often, using a hose will simply result in water immediately running out of the bottom. One solution is to soak the whole basket in a container such as a wash tub of water for several hours or even overnight. Another is to fill a large pan of ice and dump it into the basket, ensuring a slow melt of water. To care for your baskets during the season, deadhead the flowers, fertilize once a week and keep watered.

Beyond the run-of-the-mill baskets available in big box stores, check out the uncommon local nurseries, seed catalogs, the internet (google hanging baskets), and wherever herbs and tomatoes are available as possible basket material. So, don’t settle for just the common offerings. Put together your own combinations to bedazzle the eye!

Poisonous Holiday Plants

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Poisonous Holiday Plants by June Morgan, Master Gardener.

 If you have been following the columns by Master Gardeners, you are well aware of the main  toxic plants such as poison oak and ivy found in the summer. But decorative  winter plants also have their dangers, especially those prevalent during the holidays which can pose special threats to our pets and children.

Poinsettias have a reputation for being poisonous, but it would be unlikely for a pet or child to ingest enough of the leaves to be really dangerous as the sap is irritating to the mouth.  Holly and mistletoe have a higher level of toxicity to both dogs and cats, causing severe intestinal disturbances, and if large amounts are ingested, seizures and even death. Oils of a fir tree can be irritating to a pet’s mouth and stomach causing vomiting or drooling, while the needles can cause gastric irritation, obstruction and intestinal puncture. The tree’s water container may have dangerous preservative chemicals and bacterial growth.

Many gift plants are toxic.  Some lilies are more dangerous than others. Peace, Peruvian, and Calla lilies will only cause irritation and minor drooling, whereas Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese Show lilies are highly toxic to cats. Even 2-3 leaves or petals ingested mandate an immediate trip to a veterinarian for aggressive treatment to prevent kidney failure.

It is hard to resist the stunning blossoms of cyclamen, but the ingested roots will cause severe vomiting and possible death. Amaryllis bulbs, often planted to bloom for Christmas and New Year’s, are even more highly toxic than the flowers and leaves, producing tremors, vomiting and diarrhea, intestinal pain, and lethargy. Other popular gift plants causing severe problems for pets include azalea, diffenbachia , daffodils, tulips, and kalanchoe. Ingesting any of these means a trip to the vet.

The Animal Poison Control Center is available 24/7 at 855-764-7661. Here’s hoping that you never have to use it.

Using Plants as Holiday Centerpieces

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Using Plants as Holiday Centerpieces by June Morgan

This is the time to think about centerpieces for the holiday tables.  Catalogs offer glitzy and expensive arrangements, but the savvy gardener can use a lot of what is at home for a do-it-yourself project.

For autumn, pumpkins and gourds are indispensible, coming in many colors and striations. Cut pumpkins to use as candle holders or to hold a pot of blooms or greenery. For different heights and lengths of the overall design, use trailing evergreens (please avoid poison ivy or oak), Indian corn, or foraged grasses, many of which look ordinary from afar but interesting when close up. Mimic a sheaf of wheat by tying together mature grasses  and place vertically in your arrangement. Shop at thrift stores such as Goodwill for inexpensive decorative objects such as vases, figurines and bowls. You will be surprised at what you find. Fillers such as sphagnum, small twigs and branches can add a unifying effect. One warning – sphagnum acts as a wick, so don’t let it touch water, or everything surrounding, including the table and cloth will be soaked.

Prepare ahead of time for when nothing in the garden is blooming by rooting cuttings of plants such as coleus in water (this takes only days), and starting bulbs such as amaryllis and paperwhites (narcissus) which require no chilling time. You can grow these bulbs in a pot filled with soil or in a shallow bowl, using pebbles to hold them in place. Add water up to the bottom quarter or third of the bulb. To keep them from growing too tall and floppy, use one part 80 proof vodka to seven parts water. Starting bulbs which require chilling time such as mini daffodils, hyacinth and tulips indoors is possible but needs more time and preparation. Coleus is especially useful because of the ease in growing, propagating, and the many variations in colors and patterns. After serving duty in the table décor, they can be enjoyed in a sunny spot all winter in pots. Cyclamen, readily found in nurseries in rousing reds, pinks and white is especially effective in Christmas displays with artificial snow or angel hair.

Plants can serve as a basis for many other creative ideas. Think feathers, glitter, candles, small LED lights (the battery pack can be easily hidden), artificial or real moss, rocks, ribbons, etc. Look around your house and yard and even the fields with open eyes.

Some online resources for floral design material: “Mearsfloral.com”, Afloral.com or “Gardeners Supply”.  Catalogs can give ideas which can be an inspiration for or replicated with your own resources.

Creating Beautiful Christmas Wreaths

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Creating Beautiful Christmas Wreaths by DeAnna Hambly

Traditionally, the hanging of the Christmas wreath on the front door is one of the first events signifying the Christmas season. Many people also hang wreaths on the outside windows of their home or over a fireplace. Readymade wreaths can be purchased at almost any retail store, but before you purchase yours, consider creating your own wreath with simple items found around your home and from your garden. Making homemade Christmas wreaths is an inexpensive activity that takes very little time and effort. It’s also a great way to bring the entire family together for a fun and memorable activity.

Probably the most common type of wreath is the classic circular or ring type-decorated with flowers, ribbons, and other materials. One advantage of making a homemade wreath is that you can vary the shape to suit your own personal taste. The variety of ways to create wreaths are versatile and endless. To begin, pick a theme; country, classic, or formal, and then gather the necessary items to craft your wreath.

Many simple garden items can be used to create homemade wreaths. For instance, seed pods, from a sweet gum tree (glued together), or dry twisted grape vines can be used to form the ring. The rings can be decorated as they are for a more natural look, or they can be spray painted, glittered, or wrapped with ribbon to give them a more formal appearance.
You can also use evergreen, euonymus, and holy berry leaves. Things such as pinecones and pomegranates can also be used to decorate your wreath. Almost any plant leaves, flowers, or fruits from your garden can be used, however, their use may be limited if you have allergies. If you have pets, be sure to check with your Veterinarian before using some types of garden materials. For a fresh smelling wreath, try snipping branches from your live Christmas tree to add to your wreath. The wreath will compliment your live tree, and you’ll enjoy the wreath’s holiday fragrance.

Other items you’ll need to craft your homemade Christmas wreath are scissors, glue, a glue gun and glue sticks, spray paint, glitter, newspaper, and ribbon. Customize your wreath by adding Christmas ornaments or family souvenirs to them.

Creating homemade Christmas wreaths is an inexpensive and fun activity the whole family will enjoy. For a fun get together with your friends, consider inviting your them over during the holidays for a wreath decorating party. Each person or family supplies their own decorating items and the host or hostess supplies the base for the wreaths. Serve refreshments, and consider giving an inexpensive prize, such as a dated Christmas ornament, to the person, couple or family with the “best” crafted wreath. And don’t forget, wreaths also make great gifts as well.
You’ll find more detailed information on how to make a Christmas wreath by visiting your local craft store or the Internet. For gardening information visit the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office at 2217 Washington Street in downtown Greenville, Texas.

Ornamental Grasses

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Ornamental Grasses by June Morgan.

From earliest years grasses have had important functions as human and animal feed, material for basket making and decoration. Later uses were functional as paths and playing fields.  But grasses used in landscaping design were rare ingredients in American gardening until the 1880’s when Wolfgang Oehme, from Germany, produced wonderful results in U.S. public gardens.  Since then, more varieties and  uses have been developed to the delight of the gardener.

Ornamental grasses come in various heights, colors, shade and sun tolerance and soil requirements.

Choosing varieties for specific areas calls for visits to local plant nurseries and  study of catalogs with listings and descriptions of their uses and qualities.Important considerations are whether the grass is spring or fall growing and seed or rhizome producing. Rhizomes can cause an invasive problem in a small area whereas seed dropping can often be controlled by mulching. Almost all ornamental grasses are perennials, making them low maintenance. While fall tillage adds to soil improvement, spring planting is usually more successful, giving the plants time to establish a root system before winter.  They do not require large amounts of fertilizer. They need  a light mulch during the first winter and a not too deep planting.

SOME GARDENING USES:

1. Tall grasses such as Pampas or Bluestem for a  privacy hedge, background for low growing shrubs and flowers, and specimen accents in tall containers in outdoor spots.

2.Small varieties  for edging, borders and a specialized  area known as a “knot garden” where a geometric  planting of a small hedge with open spaces are filled in with a low growing grass.

3.Medium height grass in a container with low or overflowing vines or flowers.

4.In a mass bedding composed of various colors and textures, especially for fall color.

5.Mixed with sculpture in an outdoor setting.

6. Dried for indoor décor.

7.Softening of hardscaping such as rocks, tiles, etc. around a pool or wall.

8.Groundcover for large areas to control erosion.

9.Food and cover for wildlife, especially for birds

10.Breaking up the monotony of a flower or foliage bed.

11.Offer to share with a basketmaker friend.

While local nurseries carry some varieties (more so as weather warms), information and visuals can be found in nursery catalogs and many online websites for “Ornamental Grasses.” Especially useful for our areas are “North Texas Ornamental Grasses” and “Ornamental Grasses” by Barry Fugitt from Tulsa. An extensive online listing with brief descriptions is found from North Haven Gardens.

With so much information available, the creative gardener will be able to plan an exciting, different, and adventurous space to enjoy.