Well it’s the Holiday season, and if there ever was a traditional holiday plant, besides the Christmas tree, it has to be the poinsettia…or known in its native land as Flores de Noche Buena.
The poinsettia is native to Mexico and thanks to Joel Poinsett back in 1825, bringing them to the United States; it has become the most popular Christmas plant sold, and the best selling potted plant in the U.S., with most of them being sold in a short period of only 6 weeks.
Now if you like to enjoy Poinsettias as a part of your holiday tradition, here’s a few pointers to keep them looking their best:
-Choose a poinsettia that is not wilted and does not have droopy or yellowed leaves.
-After being sleeved at your garden store, quickly transport it to the car, and to your home, as they are very susceptible to cold temperatures.
-Once home, carefully unwrap the plant and place in a well lit area, with temps around 60-70 degrees. Warmer temps will shorten its life. Keep it away from warm of cold drafts.
-Keep the soil evenly moist…but not soggy. Water when the soil surface feels dry…and always take it out of the pot wrap when watering. Do not let water sit in the wrapper or in the saucer below.
-With the right conditions, today’s poinsettia selections should last in your home all winter long.
You know, the poinsettia has become so much of a Holiday tradition, Dec. 12 has been declared National Poinsettia Day…and now, there’s even a college football bowl game in San Diego named the Poinsettia Bowl.
