These days, we’re waking up to blackness. Sometimes we just want to sleep the days away and tell the world to fend for itself. What can we do to perk up winter blues short of walking around with fake Stepford Wives smiles and plastering creepy blue lights all over the house? How about finding some brightly coloured indoor plants that even your black thumb can’t kill? It can happen in your home, too. We promise.
HOW TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES BEFORE THEY BEAT YOU
It’s a scientific fact: Research from Rutgers University proves that having flowers around boosts your mood. Huh. We learn something new every day. Yeah, yeah. We know the drill: alter your diet, use some bright light, and shake up your exercise routine by taking it indoors. But hey, you don’t have to go to all that trouble when all you want to do is sleep. At least not according to plant guru Dejan Kristan (yep, there is such a job) from Pick Ontario. His guide tells us exactly which indoor plants will help you survive those winter blahs with a whole lot of pretty and your sanity intact.
6 INDOOR PLANTS TO BRIGHTEN UP YOUR HOME
1. Poinsettias: Potted 
WHAT IT IS:
Poinsettias are known as the typical Christmas plant, and are often just considered red. But the plants also come in white and pink and a wide diversity of forms. The “marbled” type is one of the most fascinating, meaning that it is speckled with a red and white combination. When people refer to the poinsettia’s “flowers” what they actually mean are the petal-like leaves known as “bracts.”
WHAT YOU DO:
LIGHT: Place in a bright area, but keep out of direct sunlight.
MOISTURE: Water the plant whenever the surface feels dry to the touch. Water until it drains out the bottom, but don’t let the plant sit in water.
2. Christmas Cactus: Potted 
WHAT IT IS:
Christmas Cactus are also known as Zygocactus and produce beautiful flowers during the winter months. They are epiphytic cacti with tubular flowers and reflexed petals produced singly or in pairs at the end of protruding stems. The flowers come in a wide range of colours, but the most common are orange, red, white and pink.
WHAT YOU DO:
LIGHT: Indirect natural light during the day, darkness at night.
MOISTURE: Water the plant thoroughly, and then allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again. Water less when you want the plant to start flowering.
3. Amaryllis: Potted 
WHAT IT IS:
Potted Amaryllis is grown from a large bulb and produces a cluster of 3 – 8 trumpet-shaped flowers which can grow about 3 inches long. The fragrant, six-petaled blossoms are typically red, but there are variations that can also be pink, white and a striped. Seasonally, Amaryllis are often available around November/December and a great option if you are looking for something different from your typical Poinsettia.
WHAT YOU DO:
LIGHT: Place in bright light.
MOISTURE: When first planted, water lightly. Once the flowering stem emerges, increase the amount of water though don’t let the pot sit in its own water.
4. Anthurium: Cut 
WHAT IT IS:
Cut Anthurium are heart-shaped and have a colourful spike (spadix) coming up from the centre of the flower. Anthurium are sold as stems, and often used as the centerpieces for arrangements because of their size. Many people do not believe that the anthurium is a real flower because of its waxy look.
WHAT YOU DO:
LIGHT: Place in direct light, as much as possible.
MOISTURE: To get the most from your tropical anthurium, spritz the blossom daily with cool water. Also, keep the water in the vase fresh, replacing every few days ensuring that the water level is near the top of the vase. Anthurium can stay fresh for up to 6 weeks in your home.
5. Chrysanthemum: Potted
WHAT IT IS:
Chrysanthemum come in a wide variety of colours, flower shapes and sizes. Both the potted plants and cut flowers are available year round and make a great addition to any room and can last for prolonged periods.
WHAT YOU DO:
LIGHT: Place in bright light.
MOISTURE: Chrysanthemums like to be evenly watered but not over-watered. If the first centimeter or two of soil are dry, apply just enough water so that some comes out the bottom of the pot.
6. Cut Flower Bouquet: Mixed 
WHAT IT IS:
Beautiful grown cut flower bouquets are available anytime with many local cut flowers available year-round. Locally sourced cut flower bouquets can include wonderful fresh flowers such as Tulips, Gerbera Daisies, Cut Chrysanthemums, Snapdragons, Spray Roses and Alstroemeria. They can add amazing life and color to brighten up any room, no matter the time of year.
WHAT YOU DO:
MOISTURE: Change the water in the vase the flowers sit in every two days to maximize the life and vibrancy of the flowers.
SHARE: Do you have plants in your home? What varietal makes you smile?
