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.

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This entry was posted on Monday, December 29th, 2008 at 9:48 am and is filed under Gardening General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.