GARDEN + GARDENING + GARDEN DESIGN + GARDENING TIPS & ADVICE

Chances are you purchased a Poinsettia plant for the holidays.  It is estimated that Poinsettias represent over 85 percent of the potted plants bought during this season of the year and that we spend over $200 million to purchase them.

These are beautiful plants that are native to Mexico.  The colored parts of the plant are called “bracts”.  There are over 100 varieties.  Red Poinsettias are the most popular.

If you want to preserve your plant beyond the holidays, there are some dos and don’ts to follow.  Keep the plant in a place where there is only indirect light.  Six hours of light is preferred.  Keep the plant from warm or cold drafts and do not let it touch a cold window.  Ideally the plant should be kept in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees during the day and around 55 degrees at night.  Check the soil each day.  Water only when it’s dry and allow the water to drain.  Apply a house plant fertilizer once a month, but not while the plant is in bloom.

After the holiday season, you  may want to plant it outdoors.  Wait until all danger of frost is past.  Place in an area of your yard where it will be exposed to sun and moderate shade in the afternoons.

It’s been estimated that between 35 and 40 million families in the U.S. will be celebrating this holiday around a real Christmas tree.  Whether a Douglas Fir, Scotch Pine, Noble Fir, or whatever your favorite tree, it will need appropriate care in order to preserve it’s freshness and beauty.

Keeping your tree watered is of primary importance.  When first getting your tree take approximately one inch off the bottom of the trunk making a straight cut.  Immediately put the tree in water.  It would be best to have a tree stand that can hold at least one gallon of water.  Some suggest that putting aspirin in the water will improve the water uptake.

You will need to check the amount of water in the stand daily.  Do not let the base become dry.  Resin will form over the cut and the tree will be unable to absorb water from the stand.

Keep the tree away from heating vents, fireplaces, etc., as drafts can dry out the tree faster.  Enjoy that fresh aroma and the beauty that nature has provided in these wonderful trees that make the holidays so much brighter.  Merry Christmas!