Poinsettias, Facts and Fiction

Now that the holidays are here - everyone's thoughts are turning to gifts (the giving and the receiving), decorating our homes and spending time with family and friends. Really, all the best things that holidays involve. Montville Florist is purchasing locally grown Poinsettias this holiday season.

Here's some information that may help your gift giving and decorating, which will allow you to spend more time with family and friends. Poinsettias are not poisonious. Let's say that one more time. Poinsettias are not poisonous. Consumation of the leaves and colorful bracts may cause a mild stomache upset or discomfort but only if consumed in great quantity. So, Poinsettias will make great addition to your home's holiday decor and they are a wonderful gift.

Now that you've decided to purchase a Poinsettia, for a gift or for yourself, here are a few tips to select a fresh, good quality plant. Look for dark green leaves. And check to see the leaves start several inches above the soil and continue up to the colorful bracts. Those most people think the bracts are the blossoms, they are not. In fact, these bracts are just leaves. The blossoms are the brilliant yellow buttons that in the center of the colorful bracts. Select a plant that has tight brilliant buttons.

Now, how to keep your plant looking the great; in spite of the chill in the area, Poinsettia are tropical plants. They will not tolerate a chill, preferring temperatures above 65 degrees.Purchase them from a reputable store - a reputable store will wrap your purchase to protect your plant from the cold until you can get it home and offer a few care instructions.

Once your Poinsettia is home, find a location that is well away from drafts. So don't place them by an outside door or a drafty window. Poinsettias that have been exposed to a chill will have pale droopy leaves and will begin to drop their leaves.Water Poinsettias in the morning, using slightly warmer than room temperature water. Disgard drainage completely. An easy way to remember this tip is to remember that Poinsettias don't like wet feet. Think about it, would you like to stand in cold, soggy soil in your bare feet all day? I didn't think so. Its important to water in the morning because this allows plant's roots maximum time to absorb the moisture from the soil. Poinsettias require 3 - 5 hours of bright light per day. Not direct sunlight, but rather a bright enough light that would allow you to read comfortably is best.

And finally, at the end of the holiday season.  .  . you have my permission to throw the Poinsettia away. That's right, throw them away. Though its possible to get a Poinsettia to bloom again next year, its a long and difficult process. Think of them like your Christmas tree, a sustainable harvest. It will be okay. Just grab the plant and toss in your compost pile, then recycle the pot. It will be fine.

And if you are looking for a holiday plant that isn't a Poinsettia . . . that's my next blog.