In addition to the familiar crimson colour, poinsettias come in more than 100 varieties, including pink, white, variegated and salmon. Native to Mexico and Central America, they were first introduced to North America in the 1800s by Joel Poinsett, a U.S. Ambassador to Mexico.
Tips for a Healthy Plant:Poinsettias like their space!
Tips for a Healthy Plant:Poinsettias like their space!
When purchasing, look for plants that are not crowded or packed together (which can cause leaf drop), and transport them in a large, roomy bag.Poinsettias need at least six hours of indirect sunlight per day and prefer moderate temperatures around 70 degrees.
Excess heat or drafty cold below 50 degrees will cause the leaves to yellow and fall off.Most important, don’t allow your poinsettia to dry out—but don’t over-water, either.
Finding a balance by checking every few days to make sure the top soil is moist will help keep your plants lively through the holidays and beyond.
After the blooming season, treat your plant with a well-balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every two to three weeks.If you’re in the mood for something new this year, try your hand at other holiday treasures such as the Norfolk pine, a Christmas cactus or amaryllis!
