Indoor poinsettia plants
Today there are many hues from reds and pinks, creams, and whites and even some yellows.Poinsettias have long been a Christmas tradition, but the poinsettia has evolved way beyond the simple, red-leafed plant we have come to know. Today there are many hues from reds and pinks, creams, and whites and even some yellows. The bracts too have been evolving with some varieties even boasting variegated and zygomorphic foliage. This means they have two colours on the leaf, and the leaf itself is ruffled. If you are looking for a variety of Poinsettias, then we have you covered with the latest cultivars.
This Christmas, drop by our greenhouse to see the many varieties of Poinsettias we have in store.
Tip: Proper care of your Christmas poinsettia includes lots of light and monitoring of its moisture. Water the plant thoroughly when the soil surface is dry to the touch. If the soil dries out or water collects in the plastic pot, your plant will suffer. It is crucial to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Always discard excess water that collects in decorative pot covers. The bright colour of the bracts will remain longer if temperatures do not exceed 22°C. You can enjoy your poinsettia all year long with a little attention.
Remember, poinsettias are not poisonous. Though they have a bad rap, poinsettia plants are only mildly toxic to cats and dogs. The milky white sap found in poinsettias contains chemicals called diterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponin-like detergents. While poinsettias are commonly "hyped" as poisonous plants, they rarely are, and the poisoning is greatly exaggerated. When ingested, mild signs of vomiting, drooling, or rarely, diarrhea may be seen. If the milky sap is exposed to skin, dermal irritation (including redness, swelling, and itchiness) may develop. Rarely, eye exposure can result in mild irritation.
There is no need to be overtly concerned about children or pets. So, enjoy! What would Christmas be like without them?
Poinsettias hate the cold so keep them away from hot or cold drafts, and open doors or windows. You can enjoy your poinsettia all year long with a little love and attention.
Other things to consider with your poinsettia are:
Your poinsettia will thrive if it's cared for however, re-flowering your poinsettia is a little trickier than just regular care. If you want to try re-flowering your poinsettia next year, keep the same watering regimen and water as needed (when dry to the touch). In April, the colour will fade, but keep it near a sunny window and fertilize with 20-20-20 as new growth begins. Cut back stems to about 20 cm. In June re-pot if necessary.
Move your poinsettia outside to a shady area if you wish, but make sure the temperature stays above 10°C otherwise, your plant will not survive. They do not like the cold at all. This is where it gets a bit tricky. In late August prune the stems back again leaving three to four leaves per shoot. For your poinsettia to bloom again, it needs a strict light schedule from about the last week of September until the beginning of December. Its light schedule must be 9 hours of light and 15 hours of complete darkness.
Following this regiment, you can enjoy your poinsettia for several years.
FAST TIP 1
Place it in a room where there is bright natural light, but not where the sun will shine directly on it.
FAST TIP 2
To be safe place the plant out of the reach of unmonitored children and pets.
FAST TIP 3
Set the plant in a waterproof container to protect your furniture. They typically come in a pot cover but be aware these are not always foolproof when it comes to holding water.
FAST TIP 4
With proper care, your poinsettia will last through the holiday season and right into late winter.
