|
 A
Holiday Guide
Selecting
& Caring For Your Poinsettia
Selecting
a Healthy Poinsettia
Choose
plants with thoroughly colored and expanded
bracts. The bracts are the colorful part
of the poinsettia, while the true flowers
are the small yellow centers. Look for plants
with dense, plentiful foliage all the way
to the soil line. The plant should be about
2½ times larger than its pot size.
Select plants with strong, stiff stems and
no signs of wilting. Be wary of plants displayed
in paper, plastic or mesh sleeves, for these
can reduce air flow.
For
lasting beauty... The Do's of Poinsettia
Care
- DO place your plants in indirect sunlight
for at least six hours per day.
- DO provide room temperatures between
68°-70° F.
- DO water your plants thoroughly when
the soil feels dry to the touch.
- DO use a large roomy shopping bag to
protect your plants when transporting
them.
- DO fertilize your plants after the blooming
season with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.
...And
the Don'ts
- DON'T place plants near cold drafts
or excessive heat.
- DON'T expose your plants to temperatures
below 50° F.
- DON'T allow plants to sit in standing
water.
- DON'T expose your plants to chilling
winds when transporting.
- DON'T fertilize your plants when they
are in bloom.
Poinsettias
aren't poisonous.
The
"old wives' tale" that poinsettias are poisonous
is simply not true. The Society of American
Florists and Ohio State University conducted
a scientific investigation disproving the
charge that poinsettias are harmful. In
fact, the Poisindex(r) Information Service
states that over 500 leaves ingested by
a 50-pound child would demonstrate no toxicity.
Of course, like all ornamental plants, the
poinsettia is not intended for human consumption.
(And who has room for a poinsettia after
all the other holiday goodies!)
 A
Perfect Gift!
Poinsettias
can be used in such a variety of ways, they
always make a wonderful gift. You never
have to worry if the recipient already has
one, since poinsettias look best displayed
in groups. From a centerpiece on your holiday
table to a miniature decorating the corner
of an office desk, to a colorful hanging
basket that can brighten any room, the poinsettia
is always a perfect fit. Give one as a gift
on National Poinsettia Day, December 12!
After
the Holidays
With
proper care, your poinsettia can last long
past the holiday season. Here's how:
- By early April, when the colored bracts
begin to turn or fall, cut the plant back
leaving four to six buds. Keep the plant
near a sunny window, water and fertilize
regularly, and by the end of May, you
should see vigorous new growth. Cut your
plant back again around July 4th and again
by Labor Day to promote compact, full
growth. Continue to nurture your plant
as Autumn nears.
- The Poinsettia begins to set buds and
produce flowers as the nights become longer.
Beginning October 1, keep the plant in
complete darkness for 14 continuous hours
each night by moving plants into a dark
room or placing a large box over them.
During the day, allow six to eight hours
of bright sunlight. Continue this for
eight to ten weeks, and your plants will
develop a colorful display of holiday
blooms!
Many
thanks to Paul Ecke Ranch for providing
these tips.
|
