17° and Clear
Image
Poinsettias are the quintessential seasonal statement piece—cheerful, colorful, and instantly bringing festive cheer to any space with their bright red, pink, or white bracts or leaves. To keep them looking their best throughout the holidays, a little care goes a long way. Here are smart, easy guidelines from Down to Earth Living to help your poinsettias thrive this season.
Help Your Poinsettias Shine:
- Provide bright, indirect light - Choose a spot near a sunny window with plenty of light but keep the plant out of direct rays that can scorch the leaves. Poinsettias need about six hours of bright, indirect light daily to stay vibrant.
- Water consistently - Check the soil regularly; when the top feels dry, water the soil (not the leaves). Make sure the pot drains well and empty any excess water from the saucer to prevent root problems.
- Maintain a comfortable environment - Keep the room between 65°F and 75°F during the day and slightly cooler at night. Avoid placing the plant near cold doors or windows, or next to heating vents where drafts or heat can cause leaf drop.
- Fertilize sparingly - If you plan to keep your poinsettia beyond the holidays, feed it with a balanced all-purpose fertilizer about once a month starting in late winter.
What Can Dim Their Holiday Glow:
- Don’t overwater - Soggy soil is the most common mistake and invites root rot. Always test the soil moisture before watering.
- Don’t expose to cold - Temperatures below 50°F can damage poinsettias. Keep them away from drafty windows and doors.
- Don’t ignore humidity - Dry indoor air can dull the bracts or cause leaf drop. Consider a humidifier or place the pot on a tray with pebbles and water (without letting the pot sit in water).
- Don’t handle leaves roughly - The colorful bracts are delicate and bruise easily, move the plant gently when watering or rearranging.
Down to Earth Living has several rare varieties in stock including Holly Points with beautiful, variegated leaves that mimic the shape of holly leaves with scarlet red color; a compact choice perfect to round out a holly themed holiday. The Blush and Glitter varieties and the popular Ice Punch poinsettias with striking red bracts and white centers.
By following the simple tips outlined above you’ll enjoy festive, vibrant plants for weeks to come!
Note: According to Poison.org and contrary to popular belief, in most cases, exposure to any parts of the poinsettia plant in children or pets has very little if any effect. If swallowed, it may cause mild irritation: nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Touching it may cause a rash. There have been reports of gardeners who work with the plant frequently developing a rash from handling the plant. Down to Earth recommends placing the Poinsettia’s out of reach of children and pets if you are still concerned.
Down to Earth Living, located on 12.5 acres in Pomona, attracts customers from Rockland, Bergen, Orange, Westchester and even Fairfield County Connecticut with its gracious outdoor living furnishings and beautiful home decor. Down to Earth Living is open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Beginning November 19, the hours will be extended to 7:00 PM daily. More details at www.dteliving.com
