In and Around the Garden

Poinsettia Care Tips:

• Keep your poinsettia in the container it came in throughout the blooming season.
• Keep poinsettias from cold drafts or excessive heat such as portable or wall heaters, fireplaces, and ventilating ducts.
• Place your plant in indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day.
• Don’t expose poinsettias to temperatures below 50° F. Poinsettias are sensitive to cold, so avoid placing them outside during the winter months.
• Room temperature between 68 – 70° F is best. If you keep your room warmer than 70° mist your poinsettia daily.
• Don’t fertilize your plant while it’s blooming.
• Avoid leaf shine products as they brown the edges of the leaves.
• Pick off yellowing leaves that may develop.
• Water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
• Remove decorative foil before watering.
• Don’t let your plant sit in water. Let water drain completely before replacing foil.

 Poinsettia Facts:

• Poinsettias are not deadly. The American Association of Poison Control Centers says there haven’t been any deaths reported due to ingesting poinsettia plants. This is true for humans and animals. The plant can cause discomfort; perhaps a little vomiting, but no major effects reported.
• The colorful petals are actually leaves called bracts.
• The tiny yellow buds in the center of the bracts are the actual flowers.
• Poinsettias are sensitive to Carbon Monoxide.
• December 12 is National Poinsettia Day, designated by Congress to mark the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett, who introduced the native Mexican plant to the United States.