I'll be bringing in my Mandevilla too. I overwintered this plant last year and had great success. I just cut the plant back a bit and then keep it sort of dry (hard for me to do this) and don't feed until spring. It didn't flower last winter, but didn't lose very many leaves. It stayed green...just about how it was when I brought it in. In the spring, I started feeding and the plant started growing. It took a little while to bloom, but was well worth it.
I'll be bringing in my Amaryllis bulbs too. It is time for their winter vacation in the basement. No water or food...just a sprinkling from my hand if the bulb starts to shrivel. I have a little place that is off by itself in the basement. They will get no light. What kind of a vacation is that? They will spend 8 wks in this spot. I'll pull off the green strapping leaves as they turn brown. I hope the new soil with fertilizer that I half filled the containers with, will give these bulbs a boost. I always feel sorry for them...in their isolation...but they reward me with beautiful blooms. This is a chancy thing...maybe they will bloom and maybe not. I'll leave my Christmas cactus out to get a snap of cold, before I bring it in... Well, I had better get busy. Fall is coming with much cooler temps this week. Brrr...where is that down comforter?
Balisha
6 comments:
I am glad to hear you do very well with your tropical plants in the basement. Christmas cactus is triggered into setting buds by the shortness of the days and watering it less. After the buds are set and its in the house you can be more generous with it. Don't you just love them when they are in full bloom? I dont think we will have those kind of temps for a while.
It is that time. Down into the low 40's here this week. I am so not ready for cool weather. I did take my Amaryllis to the basement yesterday. Still have to get the Mandevilla ready. I hope I can keep it over the winter like you do your.
They look lovely. It's nice you have the space to over winter them in your house. Well worth the effort.
Cher Sunray Gardens
Thanks for the reminder to bring in the amaryllis Balisha. I haven't had much luck getting them to reblooms - hopefully this time!
Hello Balisha...
I'm back!
I took some time off from active blogging.
I would like to say that you're header picture is wonderful.
I am familiar with the Amaryllis bulb... We also have that here in the Philippines. Although, in here there's no need to bring them down to the basement... :)
So the temp there is starting to get lower... In here, the cold northeasterly wind is starting to blow and the days seemed to get shorter - the Christmas season is getting nearer... :)
Be well Balisha!
Hi Jean...My basement is heated a little, but it is still cold down there, so many plants wouldn't do well. We will be in the 30's tonight...where did summer go?
Hi Lona, I put my mandevilla in a big pot with a pothos plant with a tall trellis. If it survives, I am going to take the whole big pot out to the front porch. It can just mingle with the pothos and climb the trellis.
Hi Cher...I have a medium sized area in front of a big window with hanging shop lights. My plant stand with grow lights sits to one side. I have plants hanging from the beams too. It's a little piece of green for me to look at when I am painting.
Hi Linda..Some of mine haven't bloomed again either. I have 7 and I buy a new one each year, so I can toss the one or two that don't rebloom.I gave mine a little drink and put them in the dark today.
Mark, Mark, Mark...Where have you been? I am getting up in years and sometimes forget things.I will put you in my favorite blogs, so I can keep up with you and enjoy your travels and beautiful photos.
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