As the frigid temperatures of January continue to drop, cozy up indoors with your own collection of colorful houseplants. Garden guru P. Allen Smith reveals four great picks.
kalanchoes
This plant has more than 100 varieties and is most widely known for the interesting shape of its leaves and its vibrant tiny flowers. Kalanchoes are native to arid areas, so they prefer warm, sunny locations and drier soil; be careful not to over-water. Feed them bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer. These plants will bloom for a long time, and their glossy leaves keep them looking great year-round. Just pinch back the spent flowers to encourage reblooming. This plant is gorgeous but poisonous to animals, so please keep it out of reach.
cyclamen
To get the most out of your cyclamen, be sure you grow them in the correct conditions. They prefer cool, humid environments. Keep them in a room that gets no warmer than 68 degrees (anything below 40 degrees is also undesirable), and position in indirect sunlight. Cyclamen are sensitive to both under- and over-watering; water only when the soil becomes dry, but be careful not to let plant remain dry for too long. If cyclamen completely dry out, they will show signs with drooping leaves and flowers and may not recover. Fertilize only once every two months with a liquid fertilizer mixed at half strength.
primrose
This heavily flowering houseplant comes in a rainbow of colors. Primrose thrives in moist, well-drained soil. As soon as the top of the soil feels dry, it’s time to water again. The plant will begin to wilt and die quickly once it completely dries out. Position these in indirect sunlight and fertilize monthly. Once temperatures warm up outside, it’s a good idea to set your primrose outdoors. Bring it in again once temperatures begin to drop below 50 degrees.
paperwhites
Nothing captures the crisp serenity of winter quite like the paperwhite narcissus. You can purchase bulbs in the late fall, but this time of year, you’ll find pre-forced plants at garden centers and grocery stores. Keep your potted paperwhites in a sunny spot and water them often. As the shoots elongate, turn the pot to prevent leaning, which can weaken the stems.
photos: jane colclasure & mark fonville
