Make Poinsettias Part Of Your Holiday Celebrations!

The Poinsettia plant, which is a native of Mexico is still the #1 live plant sold in the United States.  It was introduced into the US in 1828 and has become a symbol & tradition each holiday season.  There are so many varieties with more added each year with a multitude of colors to choose from.  Most people still choose the traditional red.

Whether you are decorating your home or office, a Christmas poinsettia will be the perfect choice in adding to your holiday decor.  Even if you are invited to a party for the holidays, don't forget the lovely hostess/host by bringing them a beautiful poinsettia.

I've chosen to post this week on poinsettias and their care.  This is the time the majority of people are purchasing their plants.  

Follow These Tips for Poinsettia Enjoyment

Transporting

Poinsettias are temperature and light sensitive. Special care should be given to protect them from freezing temperatures. If the poinsettia is chilled it may begin to drop leaves.

Transport the plant in a warm car and take inside immediately. Do not leave in a parked vehicle or outdoors. Unwrap your poinsettia upon arrival to its final destination. Open the paper sleeve from the bottom and gently lift over the top of the plant. Plants wrapped in closed sleeves for 48 hours may begin to droop.

At Home

 Place your poinsettia in a location with bright natural light, exposure to direct sunlight for no more than one or two hours.

Avoid exposure to drafts, heat from appliances, TVs and computers; radiators or ventilation ducts, and heavy traffic.

Poinsettias are not poisonous, but should be placed away from small children and animals. Ingestion of the plant could cause mild discomfort.

If the poinsettia is foil wrapped, pierce the bottom to allow proper drainage. Place your plant on a waterproof container or saucer to catch the overflow when watering.

Keep the soil moist. Do not let the soil dry out. Empty any water that drains into the saucer to prevent leaf drop.

Daytime temperatures under 75 degrees F, and night temperatures at 65 degrees F, will keep the colors bright and vivid.

Feed blooming poinsettias every 2-3 weeks with a water soluble or liquid fertilizer
diluted according to directions.

Mist leaves frequently during flowering season.

SECRETS OF SUCCESS
Temperature: Average warmth, minimum 55-60 degrees F. during the flowering season.

Light: Maximum light during winter--protect from hot summer sun if plant is to be kept for next Christmas.

Water: Water thoroughly--wait until compost is moderately dry before watering again. Water immediately if leaves begin to wilt. Water more liberally in summer.

Air Humidity: Mist leaves frequently during the flowering season.

Care After Flowering: Plant should be discarded, but if you like a challenge it can be kept and will bloom again next Christmas. The lighting will have to be very carefully controlled in autumn--see detailed instructions below.

How to make a Poinsettia Bloom Again Next Christmas

When the leaves have fallen, cut back the stems to leave stumps 4 in. high. The compost should be kept almost dry and the pot placed in a mild, shady position. In early May, water and repot the plant, removing some of the old compost. Continue watering and shoots will soon appear. Feed regularly and remove some of the new growth to leave 4-5 strong new stems. The prunings can be used as cuttings.

From the end of September careful light control is essential. Cover with a black polythene bag from early evening and remove next morning so that the plant is kept in total darkness for 14 hours. Continue daily for 8 weeks, then treat normally. Your Poinsettia will again be in bloom at Christmas time, but it will be taller than the plant you bought.

SPECIAL PROBLEMS

Loss of Flower-heads; Leaf margins yellow or brown
Cause: The usual reason is dry air in a warm room. Poinsettia needs moist air, so mist leaves frequently.

Insects
Red spider mites and mealy bugs are the main pests. See your plant care professional for remedy.

Loss of Leaves Following Wilting
Cause: Overwatering is the likely culprit; the surface of the compost must be dry before water is applied. Of course, failure to water when the compost around the roots is dry will also cause leaves to wilt and fall.

Loss of Leaves Without Wilting
Cause: If the temperature is too low or if the plant has been subjected to hot or freezing draughts then the leaves will suddenly fall. Another cause of leaf fall is poor light.

Although it can seem poinsettias can be quite intimidating, they are not.  Firstly, you should always buy them from a reputable florist that buys only good quality plants from reputable greenhouse growers.  There is a HUGE difference in the big box stores!  When you come to our shop for example, we would always make sure they are watered and properly wrapped before leaving our shop to protect them from any drafts and cold.  Very important for your enjoyment.  I used to have greenhouses and believe me, their is an extremely large difference in quality and freshness.

REMEMBER to shop local as much as possible, all small business owners appreciate all your support!

Any questions, you may also come visit us or call us at Classy Flowers located in Downtown Tinley at 17311 Oak Park Ave.  You may also visit our website at www.classyflowers.net
www.facebook.com/ClassyFlowers (LIKE us and see lots of our beautiful arrangements)

I will be posting throughout the month of December different tips and ideas to make your holidays bright and cheerful!