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If you were lucky enough to get a potted plant for Christmas, you will want to care for it so that it remains a healthy, colorful addition to your home. The most important thing is to read the tag that came with your plant which will tell the light and water requirements. Remove the foil jacket. More indoor plants die from over watering than any other problem. Check the dryness of the soil by just sticking your finger down about two inches. If you feel moisture, wait to water.
Different plants require different amounts of light. If your tag said to place it where it gets maximum sun, then a south window is ideal. If the tag doesn't mention light at all or if the tag is missing, an eastern window is safest. Keep the leaves free of dust by brushing them gently with a new, soft paint brush.
Indoor plants don't need all that much fertilizer. Just dilute your usual fertilizer down to half strength or do as my grandmother did-- use two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in each gallon of water. Then, just sit back and enjoy them!
Joan Thorpe, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas AgriLife Extension Service