Plants keep on giving

This season brings new homes for the plants we give and receive as presents. Depending on their individual needs, some move in happily as long-term residents; others are best treated as guests. Their styles can run the gamut from informal (bobbing blooms of cyclamen) to stately (rosemary topiary, beautiful to look at and tasty to cook with) to flashy (poinsettia, Christmas cactus, and amaryllis).

When a gift plant with limited post-holiday appeal wears out its welcome, firmly but gently show it the door.

Be a good host

All of the gift plants described here are reasonably easy to care for, and their visual appeal makes them great holiday decorations. Nevertheless, their specific needs differ, so be sure to treat each plant as an individual, following our basic guidelines.

AMARYLLIS

These bulbs give generously, year after year and ask little in return.

CARE: If you receive a bare bulb, plant it in a light, well-drained potting medium with the top third of the bulb exposed. Grow in bright light (not direct sun); let it go nearly dry between waterings. Remove faded flowers and stems. Leave plant in full sun, and apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks. Cut off foliage only when it yellows and flops; stop feeding and gradually stop watering, to encourage dormancy.

KEEPING: Store potted bulb on its side in a cool, dry, dark place for two to three months. Return pot to light, and resume watering.

CHRISTMAS CACTUS

A jungle cactus, not the desert kind, this stalwart can live for decades.

CARE: Provide bright light and room temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit; water when soil is dry to the touch.

KEEPING: In mid-September, start placing in total darkness for 14 hours nightly for three to four weeks. Temperatures should be cool: in the 60s during the day, the 70s at night. Water sparingly until flower buds form; return plant to regular care conditions.

CYCLAMEN

The hovering butterfly blooms of florist's cyclamen cheer up gray days.

CARE: Any bright window will do, but provide some shade from harsh sun. Moderate night temperatures (from 50 degrees to the 60s) and evenly moist soil help extend flowering for months. Let plant absorb water from a saucer.