LADYBUG SAYS...IT'S TIME TO GIVE SOME ATTENTION TO BLOOMING POTTED PLANTS

Now that the stockings are unstuffed, the gift wrappings cleared away, the big dinner leftovers are still with us, and the relatives have gone or are going, it is time to give some attention to those gifts of love--the blooming potted plants.

While it is perfectly acceptable to discard any blooming potted plants after the bloom fades, many blooming plants can be nurtured to give a long period of joy. These plants include African violets, azaleas, begonias, bromelaids, geraniums, gloxiania, hibiscus, kalanchoe, orchids, pocketbook plant, potted chrysanthemums and miniature roses.

For all potted plants one should---

Avoid leaving plants wrapped. Sometimes plants left in their store wrappers can have their lives shortened. A good example of plants that deteriorate quickly are poinsettias, geraniums, spring flowering bulbs and Rieger begonias.

If they are to be left in aluminum wrappers, punch holes in the bottom of the wrapper and set the plant in a saucer.

The plant should be placed where it can best be seen and enjoyed. Be sure it is placed in a draft-free location away from high temperatures and the hot sun. Never place a plant on the top of a television set which can be too warm when the set is in use.

Check often to see if the soil is dry. If so, water at the soil level, avoid getting water on the flowers and leaves. Toss excess water that was sitting in the saucer. Most of my inside plants are watered from the bottom by placing the plant in a container of luke warm water and leaving it there until it has had a good drink.

For most plants from garden centers, fertilizing is not necessary while the plants are in bloom. In fact, fertilizing chrysanthemums will actually shorten the blooming period.

Remove dying leaves and flowers before they die on the plant. Pruning on a frequent basis can promote a longer blooming period.

The following is the special care needed for holiday plants:

Poinsettia--By far the most popular of all holiday plants. Their colorful bracts usually last a long time if kept near a sunny window. After the plant sheds its leaves, cut back each stem so that it is left with only two leaf scars. Move the plant to a cool dark place and withhold water until ready to set it outside in the spring.

Christmas Cactus--A plant that can be enjoyed the year around after its flowers fade. Water only when the soil becomes dry and fertilize about once each month. The Christmas Cactus received from the florist has been timed to bloom at Christmas by professional growers. Next year yours may flower at Halloween or not until New Years, sometimes in late summer. An old one here bloomed three times last year. Keep them outside in to early October, when temperatures are in the 50's. They are the last flowers to bring in the fall.

Amaryllis--As the flowers fade, continue to water and lightly feed the plant every two weeks with a soluble plant food. This will encourage the growth of foliage that will help restore food to the bulb. When the stalks begin to yellow, withhold water and let the bulb dry out. Store the bulb until it is ready to be repotted in the spring, or plant it outside in the garden and dig about September. (This plant deserves a full column for all of the details of making it rebloom.)

Gloxinia--Water just enough to keep the soil moist, never wet, as overwatering will rot the tuber. Keep it in bright indirect light. When the blooms have faded, gradually dry off the plant by reducing frequency of watering. Once the foliage is gone, store the tuber in a cool place. When it begins to sprout, begin to water and feed. This plant, like African violets, can be started from leaf cuttings.

Kalanchoe--A most unusual Christmas plant with succulent leaves and clusters of small flowers, that prefers a sunny window. Water it only when dry to the touch of the soil surface. It must have sunshine for good growth, because in poor light it gets spindly and weak. Water enough to keep it moist. Cuttings root easily in sand.

Azaleas--Keep them in good light, but avoid full sun while the plant is in flower. Cool temperatures lengthen the lives of flowers on the plant. They must never dry out. Since they grow in a peaty soil, which is often difficult to moisten, it becomes too dry. Water by submerging the pot into a bucket of water, and allow to remain until bubbles stop rising in the water. Remove and drain, then return to its normal location.

Christmas Peppers and Jerusalem Cherries--Both are attractive colorful fruit plants. Both plants need bright light. Keep moist at all times since they use up water rapidly. Keep away from hot dry, drafts.

Although some holiday plants may rebloom next year, home conditions are not ideal, and disappointing results may occur. It is then best to discard those that are sick or have died, and save the memory of them at their peak of beauty.