Tehama Country Real Estate

K E E P P O I N S E T T IAS HOW TO Along with the fragrant evergreens and twinkling lights synonymous with the holiday season, poinsettias make up a key component of holiday decorating. Unlike holly and some of the other greenery that is com- monly associated with the holidays, poinsettias do not naturally thrive in the colder temperatures. ese plants originate in southern Mexico and were considered an exotic plant when first introduced to the United States by Joel Robert Poinsett, the first American ambassador to Mexico. Poinsettias can be fickle plants and ones that gardening novices may find challenging to maintain. e plants are comprised of green foliage, colorful (oen red) flower bracts, and the actual flowers of the plants, which are the red or green buttonlike parts nestled in the center of the bracts. Because they are a tropical plant, poinsettias can be damaged by exposure to low temperatures, even if they are only exposed for short periods of time. ey should be wrapped and protected against the elements when brought home. For maximum plant life, poinsettias need to be placed near a warm, sunny window, or another area that has am- ple amounts of light. ey thrive in temperatures between 60 and 75 F and should be kept away from warm or cold dras. Water the plant whenever the surface feels dry to the touch. Water until it drains out the bottom, but don't let the plant sit in water. Over- or under-watering can cause leaves to drop prematurely and wilt. If your home lacks in humidity, you may need to water the plant more fre- quently. Poinsettias do not need to be fertilized while the plant is in bloom. e Ohio State University Extension says poinsettias can be reflowered the following Christmas, but unless a year- long schedule of care is observed, the results usually are not good. You can speak with a gardening expert or con- sult online resources for the proper care schedule. Caring for a poinsettia year-round involves gradually drying out the plant and storing it in a cool location. e plant later will be moved outdoors and then back inside and pruned to keep a full shape. Poinsettias are short-day plants, which means they flow- er about 10 weeks aer the daylight shortens to about 12 hours or less. erefore, to have the plant in full flower by Christmas, it will have to be kept in complete darkness between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. from the first part of October until anksgiving. Many people find the affordability of poinsettias makes it more convenient to buy new ones each year than try to foster regrowth. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not poisonous to humans or animals, but they should not be ingested due to the potential for allergic reactions. Poinsettias can help remove pollutants from indoor air, which is advanta- geous during the winter months when doors and windows are typically kept closed. Select plants that have dark green foliage and no low or damaged leaves. is ensures the best success for keeping poinsettias looking healthy and vibrant throughout the holiday season. L o o k i n g G r e a t T h r o u g h T h e H o l i d a y s

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