PERFECT POINSETTIAS

Poinsettias are the most popular Christmas flower and one of the longest-lasting blooming plants available to consumers. But many people may avoid purchasing poinsettias because they fear that poinsettias are poisonous. Many ornamental plants can be considered poisonous but a relative few are life threatening. Poinsettias cause only low toxicity if eaten. Skin irritation can occur but is minor or only lasting for a few minutes, this comes from the milky latex sap stored within the plant parts. Ornamental plants, such as the poinsettia, are supposed to be enjoyed visually so I do not encourage the eating of poinsettias or any other ornamental plant, even though they may not be considered life threatening.

Now since you know the poinsettia will not harm your pets or family members, you need to select a healthy poinsettia so it will provide long-lasting color and enjoyment. Choose a plant with a small, tight cluster of flowers (the yellow portion in the center of the large red, white, or multi-colored bracts). The large, showy colorful bracts are actually leaves not flowers. Choose plants that are thoroughly colored and the expanded bracts are dense with plentiful foliage. The plant should be about 2 1/2 times larger than the container size. Be wary of plants on displayed in a drafty area near the door of the store or with paper, plastic, or mesh around the entire plant, wrappers can reduce air circulation around the plant and cause wilt.

To care for your poinsettia in the home, remove the decorative wrapper that covers the container. This allows excess water to drain from the roots. Place the plant on a saucer to protect the table surface on which the plant is sitting. Place your poinsettia in indirect sunlight and room temperatures should be between 68-70 degrees. Water your plant when the soil begins to dry and keep soil moist to the touch. Do not allow your plant to stand in water. This will reduce air to the roots and perhaps lead to root rot. Do NOT place your plant near drafts such as near a door or a heat vent; also avoid areas near appliances and fireplaces.

To care for your plant once the season is over, in April when the colored bracts fall, cut the plant back leaving 4 to 6 buds. Keep the poinsettia in a sunny window, water, and fertilize regularly. You may plant the poinsettia, container and all, outside during the summer months. Beginning in September place the plant in complete darkness for at least 8-14 hours, this can be done by placing in a closet with a box over the top of the plant. During the day place the plant in bright sunlight for 6-8 hours a day. In 8 to 10 weeks you will have a blooming poinsettia. This sounds like an easy process but in actually most of us do not have the patience to get our poinsettias to re-bloom.

Poinsettias are a wonderful plant to fill the home with warmth during the holiday season. Many cultivars and colors are available to the consumer, based on your preference. Colors range from reds, pinks, marbles, and whites. There are also novelties, such as 'Jingle Bells', which has shades of red, pink, and white all on one plant. My personal favorite was 'Winter Rose' which the poinsettia flowers look like roses. My new favorite comes from Williams Plant Farm in Sims, a white and pink marbled poinsettia sprayed with lavender glitter paint. If you have not seen this you must check them out, especially if you have a Victorian Christmas theme. So whatever your taste may be, there is a poinsettia to fill that special spot in your home this season. Remember poinsettias make great gifts!

Date Created: 12/10/2004.