Essential tips for buying and care of this great holiday plant.
What shows that the holidays are here more so than the beloved poinsettia? These beautiful plants (actually native to Mexico) bloom from late November well into January and some are even still going strong into February! Paired with a decorative pot and some ferns or ivy to add a splash of green, they are ideal holiday decorations for any home, office space, and/or business.
When thinking of poinsettias, most people envision red or white, but there are many more colors: shades of pink, marble, salmon, and red & white mixed, just to name a few.
An assortment of these plants can be found at a number of local Scotch Plains and Fanwood garden shops and stores. When buying one, be sure to look for sturdy stems that will not break easily. The actual flower is located in the middle of the colorful bracts. These should be relatively tight to ensure the longest bloom. Make sure that there is no curling or brittleness to the leaves and bracts.
Poinsettias should be placed in a bright area in your home or office. They benefit most from at least 4 hours of indirect sunlight per day. They grow best in temperatures averaging 70 degrees. Placement to close to fireplaces, heating units, and even on televisions is not ideal. Likewise, they should not be displayed near areas that will be subject to cold temperatures or drafts, such as a commonly used doorway.
Check your poinsettia for water daily. They should be evenly moist - never reaching a point of total dryness, but never soggy as well. While blooming, poinsettias do not require fertilizer.
When buying your poinsettias, be sure to get them home as soon as possible. Very susceptible to cold damage, they should never be left outside in a cold vehicle for any length of time.
With the proper placement and care, your poinsettia will give you color that can last up to three months!
For more gardening information, or to submit your own questions, feel free to email me at tracy@parkerplants.com.
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