Poinsettias hold a place of honor as one of the most popular potted plants, especially at holiday time. Native to Mexico, plant breeders have adapted the tall, heat-loving shrub into compact house plants. The brightly colored leaves are called bracts, and come in a rainbow of hues or with speckled, marbled or ruffled bracts. The painted varieties are spectacular, and are available now at Ray Hunters Garden Center and Christmas Shop. Caring for your poinsettias: Poinsettias will be healthy and long-blooming if you follow a few specific instructions. Keep plants in bright but indirect light for six to eight hours a day at room temperature. They are very sensitive to cold, so place away from chilly windows or drafty doors to avoid leaf drop. Water only when the soil is dry, so check it daily. Fertilize monthly with houseplant fertilizer. In spring prune plants down to 6-8 inches and continue sparse watering and bi-weekly fertilizing. In summer repot in a slightly larger container with soil-less potting mix. Keep in a sunny window or move outside to a spot with morning sun. Check daily for water, then fertilize twice a month and prune as needed. It is a challenge to get a poinsettia to re-bloom, but try it just for fun. For blooms in time for the holidays, stop fertilizing in early fall. They will need absolute darkness in a closet or box for 14 hours a day beginning October 1st. Continue sparse watering. Bracts should start forming in six to 10 weeks. According to the ASPCA, poinsettias are not poisonous to pets. But since eating them may cause mild intestinal upset, keep the plants away from nibblers. Read the ASPCA article on the subject here. Send a beautiful Merry Poinsettia Double Basket or our Holiday Homecoming Basket to friends or family in time for the holidays. Call 734-284-2500, visit our stores in Southgate, Woodhaven, or Flat Rock, or click on rayhunter to order flowers or gift baskets. ow.ly/FGlck
Posted on: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 12:00:51 +0000