Holiday plants, such as the Christmas cactus and poinsettia, are one group of houseplants that need special attention when colder weather arrives. Specific temperatures and light duration will help induce flower buds and bracts. After the autumnal equinox, when the nights become longer than days, these plants need to have 14 hours of total darkness for about three weeks. This allows buds to form on the Christmas cactus. Once buds and bracts are noticeable, the plants can be moved back into the light.
Most houseplants thrive outdoors during the summer months.
But don't forget to take the time to inspect them before moving them back indoors, and follow the tips above to help them adjust to their changing environment. This page is hosted by Communication and Technology Resources , University of Vermont, and maintained by Cathy Yandow . University of Vermont Extension, Burlington, Vermont. University of Vermont Extension and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status. The Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Vermont, provides research results to everyone, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or familial status.