POINSETTIAS ARE EASIER THAN YOU THINK

Now that Thanksgiving is ending and Christmas shopping starts this weekend we celebrate the start of another festive season. It’s time for that quick switchover to Christmas and what better floral decorating item is there besides poinsettias?

I have some advice to help you retain your poinsettias longer with fuller color and less leaf dropage. The first step in caring for a live poinsettia is buying from an expert source – particularly a greenhouse or florist because the plants haven’t been improperly handled. When you select a plant, look for lush green foliage without yellow leaves and with strong flower color. When you leave the store, make sure the plants are covered somehow and that you take them to a warm vehicle.

Once home, place your poinsettia in a bright location and let the soil become dry to the touch before watering. Most poinsettias are set in a wrapping that captures the water- don’t let the water accumulate, but pour the excess out each time you water. Do not fertilize the plant while in bloom and keep it from air drafts and heat sources. And for a word of relief to all families with children or pets, poinsettias are NOT poisonous. With care, your poinsettia will be a Christmas favorite.