Poinsettias
Transporting Tips:
Poinsettias, natives of Mexico, are intolerant of our cold weather and require special care.
Put poinsettias in paper sleeves before transporting them. This protects them from the weather and from breaking. When home, carefully cut away the sleeve starting from the bottom.
Do not leave poinsettias in an unheated area (car) – even for a short time.
Plant Care:
Place your poinsettias in a sunny spot away from drafts. Also, avoid putting them on or near a heater or television set. Excessive heat causes damage. Optimum temperatures should be in the 60s during the day and around 55 degrees at night.
Check daily for water. Maintain a steady moisture level, letting the plant dry slightly before watering. Ensure water is draining from the pot. Sometimes the decorative foil wrapped around the pots causes water to pool.
Fertilize the plant once a month with a liquid fertilizer such as Jack’s Classic or Miracle Gro.
Many people keep poinsettias long after the holidays. A monthly feeding and regular watering is all that is needed for maintenance. Getting poinsettias to rebloom is a complicated, time-consuming process; do not expect holiday color in subsequent years.
Fun Facts:
Euphorbia pulcherrima (poinsettias) is a plant that has been around for ages. The Aztecs used it to make red dye and cure fevers. It was introduced to the U.S. market in 1825. Joel Robert Poinsett, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, made the introductions and is the plant’s namesake.
Hollandia offers several varieties of poinsettias in a range of sizes and colors to meet your decorating needs.