Ten Minute Gardening

Poinsettias are not my favourite plant, but I loved the challenge of growing them in a chemical free environment, something the “experts” claim is next to impossible. They are wrong! But, I’m not going to bore you with the technicalities of growing poinsettias.

One of the most often asked questions asked by our customers was “How do I care for my poinsettia when I get it home?” Here’s our answer:

As soon as you get the plant home, remove the protective sleeve. This prevents damaging ethylene from building up. If you’ve purchased the poinsettias as gifts, but don’t intend on giving them right away, remove the sleeve until just before you deliver them.

Place the poinsettia in a bright location, away from cold drafts. They deeply resent cold.

Poinsettias do not like wet feet! Keep the soil on the dry side, but do not allow the plant to wilt. That just shortens its life.

When to water? When the pot feels light. If the bracts (leaves) are beginning to wilt, you are not watering soon enough.

Remove the decorative pot cover before you water.

When you water, drench the pot, being careful not to splash the foliage.

Fill the pot to the rim with water and allow the water to drain out the bottom of the pot. I usually water them in the kitchen sink so I know they’ll drain well.

After ten minutes or so, replace the decorative pot cover and you’re done!

You should not need to fertilize the poinsettia over the holidays.

And on a final note, Poinsettias are not poisonous! That is a myth. Research, tests and studies have proven that poinsettias are not toxic to human or animal life. The sap can, in sensitive individuals, cause a very slight case of dermatitis that lasts for a very brief time, but that is the worst thing that can happen.