The poinsettia is a beautiful plant often given as gifts this time of year to add bright holiday colors to any home. Its appealing presentation of the traditional Christmas colors has so endeared poinsettia that it is now second only to the Christmas tree as the most popular holiday plant! The colors make it perfect for festive holiday displays. Poinsettias are actually tropical shrubs native to warmer climates so it’s definitely not something I recommend for Gainesville Landscapes, but here are some tips for caring for your poinsettias indoors.
Light - Place it near a sunny window. South, east or west facing windows are preferable to a north facing window. Poinsettias will appreciate as much direct sunlight as you can provide.
Heat - To keep the poinsettia in bloom as long as possible, maintain a temperature of 65 - 75 degrees F. during the day. Dropping the temperature to about 60 degrees F. at night will not hurt the plant. However, cold drafts or allowing the leaves to touch a cold window can injure the leaves and cause premature leaf drop.
Water - Water the plant whenever the surface feels dry to the touch. Water until it drains out the bottom, but don't let the plant sit in water. Wilting is another common cause of leaf drop. A wilted plant can be revived and salvaged, but it will take another season to improve its appearance.
Humidity - Lack of humidity during dry seasons, in particular winter, is an ongoing houseplant problem. If your home tends to be dry and your poinsettia is in direct light, you will find yourself watering frequently, possibly every day.
One final note, there are many rumors that go around about the poinsettia plant being highly poisonous. While it is definitely not considered an edible plant, it is actually non-poisonous and non-toxic, although some people may be allergic to the latex in the sap. We do always recommend keeping house plants safely out of reach of children and pets!
And remember, if you are looking for a pop of color outdoors winter annuals really deliver vibrant color in Gainesville yards. Give us a call at 352-378-5296 for a quote today!