12/08/04
Poinsettias
By: Donna Couch
It’s only a couple of days past Thanksgiving,
and around our place, that means Poinsettias are arriving.
And believe me, by the time New Year’s Day gets
here, we believe we have seen enough of them for the
year.
But
most people don’t have 500 or so of them
around. As a matter of fact, they want info on how to
keep them around for awhile. Poinsettias are best treated
as an annual, because they begin to lose their leaves
when they stay warm. To keep their beautiful blooms,
they must be watered almost daily if in a warm area.
If you keep the plants in cooler areas, they can be saved
to bloom again the following year. If they start to drop
their leaves quickly, you can rest assured that the plant
has gotten too hot. One hint is to mist them daily. And
while we think of their color as "blooms" they
are really colored leaves. The leaves nearest the yellow
centers are called "bracts" and are the ones
that change from green to the color the plant will ultimately
be.
There
are many varieties of poinsettias, although most people
favor the red variety, and think of them as the traditional
Holiday plant. White, pink, and marble are also popular
for seasonal decorating. However, it’s
the more unusual varieties and combinations that are
real eye catchers. The "Jingle Bell" variety
is one I have become partial to in the past couple of
years. They are a beautiful red, with flecks of hot pink
to white scattered throughout the bloom.
The
plants are very fragile, and should be handled with
care. If the leaf or stem is damaged, a milky sap emerges.
Many people say this is "poison",
and it can cause a rash or irritation to sensitive skin.
It is suggested that the plants be kept out of the reach
of small children, and definitely keep them away from
their mouths.
When growing the plants before the blooming season,
they need to be protected from midday , bright light.
They do tolerate brighter sunlight during the winter
months. Also while growing, they tolerate cooler temperatures,
even lower than 55 degrees. Once the bracts start turning
color, room temperatures may be 55-70 degrees. Warmer
than this may cause leaves to drop. Definitely keep them
out of the direct line of heater vents!
It is very important that you never let the plants
dry out, whether flowering or growing. Water about 3
times a week under normal conditions. If it is very hot,
the soil will dry out more quickly and need water more
often. After flowering , water only once every 7 days
for a rest period or up to 3 or 4 weeks, but water thoroughly.,
Again, mist daily when in a heated room.
When
growing or flowering, feed every 14 days with liquid
houseplant food, diluted according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. The best soil for poinsettias is a peat-based
soil to ensure good drainage. Prune the plant when flowers
die, before repotting. Wear gloves to protect your hands
from the milky sap. Cut stems by half, cutting just above
a leaf joint. Repot the plant annually in midsummer after
the plant has rested. Take extra care not to damage the
bracts or leaves. Leave the soil loose, rather than packed
heavily. Use only one pot size larger than the previous
pot, as going too large can shock the plant.
Now, you know how to care for your beautiful poinsettia,
but what else should you be watching for besides too
dry or too hot? If the whole plant starts to droop, that
means it is too cold or sitting in a drafty area. Keep
the temperature at least 55 degrees when your bracts
are colored. Although this is known as a winter season
plant, poinsettias do not like to be exposed to cold
air. That is why you should make sure your plants are
sleeved during transport if the weather is cold. If it
gets too cold, it can kill the plant.
If
the leaves shrivel and dry, the plant needs watering.
Do not let stand in water, but water more often if
it continues to dry. If the leaves turn yellow and
curly, then drop, the plant is too hot and dry and
needs to be moved to a cooler place, and misted daily.
Keep the plant out of direct sunlight, and don’t
panic if the plant looks healthy and a few leaves drop.
That will happen when the plant is aging.
If
the color fades in patches, the plant is too wet, overwatered
and the roots may be rotting. Allow to dry out before
watering again, and water less frequently. And beware,
if the leaves are streaked and marbled with silver,
and they aren’t a marbled variety, this
is a serious problem called silver leaf virus. There
is no cure, and can cause infection in other plants.
Get rid of the plant immediately, and do not reuse the
soil! Make sure you buy healthy plants!
Now, you are ready for poinsettias. They make beautiful
gifts, and are great decor around a holiday tree. Experiment
with different varieties, and enjoy!
Until
next time, HO! HO! HO! Whether you are ready or not,
it’s
coming!
