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Poinsettias aren't the only Christmas flowers but they do seem to be the most abundant ones. Other popular Christmas flowers include Christmas cactus plants in full bloom and white or red roses.
Each is popular for different reasons. Poinsettias are readily available because they respond well to greenhouse propagation techniques. They do come from South America but for the most part are propagated indoors in most climates. With their big splashes of floral color they contrast nicely with the green of Christmas trees and don't dwarf next to artificial decorations either. They can be tricky for the average indoor gardener since proper moisture levels must be consistently maintained or leaves begin to shrivel and fall off.
More popular and easily maintained at home are Christmas cactus plants. These are really succulents and are very hearty year around. It takes some knack to get them to bloom just in time for Christmas but at least they are harder to kill. The trick to producing Christmas flowers on this plant is to place them in a cool place at least a month before Christmas. For many living in a cold climate there are drafty areas of the home near doors or windows. These drafts are murder on heating costs but will benefit the colorful Christmas cactus.
Roses are difficult for even professional growers to produce in winter under the best greenhouse conditions. They generally would need to be imported to cooler areas in order to serve as Christmas flowers. No one can argue the beauty of floral arraignments made from them especially in formal settings. The plush velvet and brocade fabrics worn in winter are well complimented by these flowers.
Amaryllis plants are becoming very popular Christmas flowers. They are meant more as gift items for indoor gardening than for centerpieces though.
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