Poinsettias are the quintessential holiday plant, adding instant festive charm with their vibrant red, pink, or white leaves. However, keeping them healthy and looking their best requires a little know-how. Here are some simple do’s and don’ts to ensure your poinsettias thrive this holiday season.
Do’s
Provide Bright, Indirect Light: Place your poinsettias in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so a well-lit window is ideal.
Water Consistently: Check the soil regularly and water the soil when it feels dry. Avoid watering the leaves. Ensure the pot has proper drainage to prevent root rot and empty any excess water from the saucer.
Maintain Optimal Temperature: Poinsettias love warm environments. Keep the temperature between 65°F and 75°F during the day and slightly cooler at night for the best results.
Protect from Drafts: Keep your poinsettias away from cold drafts, heating vents, or excessive wind, as extreme temperature fluctuations can cause leaves to drop.
Fertilize Sparingly: If you’re keeping your poinsettias beyond the holiday season, use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month starting in late winter.
Don’ts
Don’t Overwater: Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot. Always check the soil’s moisture level before watering, and ensure it’s only slightly dry before adding more.
Don’t Expose to Cold: Poinsettias are sensitive to cold. Never place them near drafty windows, doors, or any spot where temperatures dip below 50°F.
Don’t Neglect Humidity: Dry indoor air can cause poinsettias to lose their vibrant color. Use a humidifier or place a tray of water nearby to add moisture to the air.
Don’t Leave in the Dark: While poinsettias don’t need direct sunlight, they do require at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light daily to stay healthy.
Don’t Handle Leaves Roughly: The colorful bracts are delicate and can bruise easily. Be gentle when watering or moving the plant to avoid damage.
With a little attention to their needs, poinsettias can stay beautiful well beyond the holiday season.
Visit Down to Earth Living to Find Rare Varieties of Poinsettias
Down to Earth Living has several rare varieties of poinsettias in stock including Holly Points with beautiful, variegated leaves that mimic the shape of holly leaves with scarlet red color; a compact choice perfect to round out a holly themed holiday. The Blush and Glitter varieties and the popular Ice Punch poinsettias with striking red bracts and white centers.
Note: According to Poison.org and contrary to popular belief, in most cases, exposure to any parts of the poinsettia plant in children or pets has very little if any effect. If swallowed, it may cause mild irritation: nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Touching it may cause a rash. There have been reports of gardeners who work with the plant frequently developing a rash from handling the plant. Down to Earth recommends placing the Poinsettia’s out of reach of children and pets if you are still concerned.
Have you Been to Down to Earth Living?
Down to Earth Living Garden Center in Rockland County, celebrating its 52nd year, offers 12.5 acres filled with perennials, flowers, shrubs and trees, with new arrivals coming in every week. The 10,000 square foot showroom has a large and unique selection of contemporary, classic, traditional, and transitional teak, aluminum and all-weather dining and deep-seated furniture. The center is open 9 – 5 every day and is located near Bergen County at 1040 Route 45. Phone number is 845-354-8500. Website is www.dteliving.com for more information.
Christmas Has Arrived at Down to Earth Living in Pomona!
Down to Earth Living has transformed its 10,000-square-foot showroom into a winter wonderland with life-like Santas, the latest artificial pre-lit Christmas trees, friendly life-size reindeer, hundreds of exclusive ornaments, adorable holiday gnomes, and a host of furry animals hidden among the branches and displays. Better yet, shoppers will enjoy a 20% discount on nearly everything now through Christmas! Read more…
