Poinsettias are the quintessential holiday plant, adding instant festive charm with their vibrant red, pink, or white 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.
Caring for Your Poinsettias: What to Do (and What to Avoid)
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 and water the soil (not the leaves) when it feels dry. Avoid watering the leaves. Make sure the pot drains well and empty any excess water from the saucer to prevent root problems.
Maintain Optimal Temperature: Poinsettias love warm environments. Keep the temperature between 65°F and 75°F during the day and slightly cooler at night for the best results. 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’re keeping your poinsettias beyond the holiday season, use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month starting in late winter.
Don’t Overwater: Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot. Always check the soil’s moisture level before watering.
Don’t Expose to Cold: Poinsettias are sensitive to cold. Never place them near drafty windows, doors, or any spot where temperatures dip below 50°F.
Don’t Ignore Humidity: Dry indoor air can cause poinsettias to lose their vibrant color or cause leaf drop. Use 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 can bruise easily. Be gentle when watering or moving the plant to avoid damage.
With a little attention to their needs, poinsettias can stay beautiful well beyond the holiday season.
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.
Visit Down to Earth Living to Find Rare Varieties of Poinsettias
Down to Earth Living has several rare varieties of poinsettias 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.
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.
Have you Been to Down to Earth Living?
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. For Bergen County residents, it’s a quick and easy trip from Routes 9W, 17, the Palisades Interstate Parkway, and the Garden State Parkway to this must-see showroom at 1040 Route 45, Pomona, New York.
Down to Earth Living is open daily from 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Beginning November 19th, extended holiday hours will be from 9:00 am-7:00 pm. For more information, call 845-354-8500 or visit www.dteliving.com.
Christmas Has Arrived at Down to Earth Living in Pomona!
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