If you received a flowering plant as a gift, proper care will determine the amount of time it remains attractive in your home.

If you follow a few simple suggestions, the plants and their flowers will last for weeks after the holiday season:

- Set the plants in bright light, but not direct sunlight.

- Keep them as cool as possible.

- Keep them out of drafts.

- Make certain the soil is kept moist, but not soggy.

- Remove the flowers when they have faded.

Once plants begin to flower, they need a lot of light to maintain quality. South, east or west windows provide the most light in winter.

Avoid full sun, which tends to fade the flowers.

Turn the plant weekly to keep it growing straight.

If you do have to set your holiday plant in a poorly lighted room, put it as close to artificial light as possible. Just remember that incandescent light gives off heat that may dry the plant.

Cooler indoor temperatures are ideal for most flowering plants. Generally, temperatures around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the day and 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night will not harm the plants.

Locations near windows are often a bit cooler than other spots in a room and windows offer extra light.

Most holiday plants are produced under rather intensive conditions. They are not able to withstand moisture extremes around their root systems. The roots will be severely damaged if they are dry or overwatered.

This is especially true to help your Christmas cactus live longer. Avoid overwatering it. Drench the soil thoroughly and allow it to dry out completely before watering again. Use a fertile potting soil, never gravel.

During winter, indoor air is drier and plants tend to lose water faster. Open flowers on a plant will also lose water much faster than foliage.

When watering, add water until it passes through the drain holes in the bottom of the pot. Prevent waterlogged conditions by discarding any extra drain water.

Remove the faded blooms to prevent seed-set from sapping your plant’s strength. This will also keep the plant more attractive, as the faded blooms will detract from the rest of the plant.

Don’t be disappointed if your plant doesn’t last too long after the holidays. These plants were produced under ideal conditions that can’t be duplicated in the home and many holiday plants can be cut back after a few weeks for use outdoors in spring and summer.

Enjoy them now no matter how long they last.

“Growing Green” is contributed by Diane Dorn, Lehigh County Extension Office Staff, and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613