The poinsettia is one of the most iconic symbols of the Christmas season. Poinsettia plants can be found for sale at local nurseries, grocery stores, and flower shops. These plants add a delightful pop of red to the winter decor. These beautiful plants even have white and pink varieties available.You can pot the plants, use them as centerpieces, or even add them to your garlands and trees. Did you know that although these plants are mainly associated with winter and Christmas, they actually despise the cold? The poinsettia plant is native to Mexico, and very warm climates, so bringing them into cold and snowy environments can get a little bit tricky. However, with just a few quick tips you can easily take care of your poinsettia plant, keeping it beautiful all season long.
How to Pick a Healthy Poinsettia Plant
Starting off with a healthy poinsettia plant will go a long way towards helping it last all season! There are quite a few things to look for when purchasing a poinsettia plant. First, you should pick out a plant that is lush and full of dark green leaves. It can be a bad sign if the plant is sparse or has yellow green leaves. Next, check for broken leaves. Ideally your plant should be balanced and even from every side. If there are broken or ripped leaves that have been removed the plant will look lopsided and should be avoided. You should also check that the bracts, or red colored leaves, are completely colored and don’t have white or green edges. Finally, the plant should be close to 2.5 times taller than its diameter. These proportions mean that the plant is mature and healthy.
Keep Your Poinsettia Plant Warm
Once you have picked a few healthy and beautiful poinsettia plants it’s time to take them home. Because these plants despise the cold, it is important to transport them wrapped in plastic. Even a few minutes of cold can leave your poinsettias looking droopy and sad. When you get your plant home you should keep the temperature of the house between 60-75 degrees. It is okay if temperatures at night drop down to 55 degrees. Another way to keep your plant warm, is by keeping the foil wrapping around the base of the plant pot.
Caring for Your Poinsettia Plant
Your plant will need to be displayed where it has access to plenty of indirect sunlight. Ideally it should be placed away from any warm or cold drafts. This means you should avoid placing it near windows or heating vents. As far as watering goes, don’t be tempted to over water. You should only water your plant when the soil is dry to the touch. Don’t forget to poke a hole in the foil wrappings so that your plant can drain properly! It is also recommended that you feed your plant with a little fertilizer every 2 weeks. With a warm and sunny spot in the house and a little attention, you should see your plant begin to thrive!
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In Conclusion
The poinsettia plant is a beautiful and unique plant. It is sure to bring Christmas cheer to your home and holiday parties. Now that you know how easy it is to keep your poinsettia plant looking great all season long, what are you waiting for? Whether you keep it for yourself or give it as a gift, the poinsettia plant is sure to be loved by all.
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