Pretty Poinsettias
What plant is the symbol of Christmas? Other than a Christmas tree, that is. It's gotta be the poinsettia plant. They're a yearly favorite.
If you are one of those who like to purchase a poinsettia every year for the holidays, you should know some basic care for the plant.
These plants are very sensitive, so don't expose them to extreme temperatures. Always cover them in plastic when transporting them in cold weather, and keep them away from drafts and heat sources.
Place the plant in filtered/indirect sunlight for about 6 hours a day. If it is not autumn, you can keep it in relative darkness for the rest of the day and eventually, it will think it is fall -- thus it will begin blooming.
Water the plant only when the soil is dry. To avoid root-rot, be sure the pot has drain holes.
Repot the plant as it grows and add fertilizer after the blooming season.
You can place poinsettias outdoors when the average low temperature does not fall below 65°.
To re-bloom for the next season:
- When the colored bracts fade, cut stems back to eight inches above the soil line.
- Continue to water regularly and fertilize lightly with a good, balanced all-purpose fertilizer every three to four weeks.
- When temperatures are warm, place plant outdoors; first in indirect, then direct sunlight. Avoid temperatures below 50 degrees.
- July 4 (Independence Day): Cut back new growth stems. Repot if needed.
- Early September (Labor Day): Move plant inside. Provide six or more hours of direct light.
- October 1 through mid-December: Confine plant to complete darkness for 14 hours, giving it 10 hours of natural light daily.
Contrary to popular myths and urban legends, poinsettias are not poisonous to children or pets. The sap, however, can cause nor skin irritation to some people. These plants have been widely tested for toxins, and are proven to be safe -- but it's still not recommended to eat one!
(Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration and www.flowers.com)
Published 11/23/07
