When You See Poinsettias in Stores-You Know Christmas is Near!
Poinsettia plants have long been a symbol of Christmas. With brightly colored red flowers they blend well with holiday decorations. If your decorations are anything but red, there are still options for you, because the Poinsettia comes in various colors-pinks, yellows, marbled and reds.
Today, it seems that some nurseries are even coloring plants to make them more appealing. The original Poinsettias are just as beautiful, and as long as you take care of them, they’ll last for years-far beyond the holidays. So, even though they are thought of as a Christmas plant, they can adorn your home or yard throughout the years.
There Are Many Ways to Display Poinsettias
Choose location carefully and ensure no sudden changes in temperature. There should be no cold or drafts, nor vents that overheat them. They like sun, but not direct sun.
If you’re looking for a holiday theme, Poinsettias blend in well. By bunching them in certain areas they will add beauty to your home. Place in rooms that need brightening. Some say it’s best to coordinate the plants with the decorations you choose, but that’s really not necessary since the flowers lend themselves to any décor during the holidays.
Before buying, make sure the plant is healthy. Check the stems for firmness, they shouldn’t be soft or pliable, put you finger in the soil to see if it’s damp not dry. Check for brown spots on leaves, mites or other insects that may have infested the plant.
Caring for Your Poinsettia Plant
Keep the plants at a temperature of 60-70 degrees and in a well lit area. Water them well, then allow them to dry out before watering again. Poinsettias are sensitive plants and require a little more care, but they are worth it when you see the beauty of the holidays. Once the plant is past blooming, fertilize it with an all purpose fertilizer. Enjoy it beyond the holidays by following these easy steps:
– When the holidays are over and the plants begin to droop, pinch them and cut the stem back a few inches in order for them to become bushy and full later.
-When spring arrives, you’ll have a gorgeous plant that you can bring out and care for. Water only when the soil feels dry, the Poinsettia can be destroyed if over watered.
– Bring the plant out in the spring to a sunny location, feed and water regularly. Place in full sun for the summer, after the chance of frost is gone. Before autumn, decide to leave them outside, or bring them back indoors to rebloom.
Poinsettias make great gifts, purchase them with care, treat them with love, and give them a chance to grow back next season!
About the Author: Angela Lytle is a self-employed mother of four and publisher of Christmas Decorations Online a website featuring holiday decorations from Artificial Christmas Trees for your home to Outdoor Christmas Lights to brighten up your holiday display.
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