Eco-Friendly Poinsettia Care

 With these 10 easy and eco-friendly tips your poinsettias should look great throughout the holiday season!

 1.  Open and unpack poinsettias ASAP.  Ethylene gases trapped in boxes, bags or plant sleeves cause poinsettias to droop.  Don’t worry, the gas isn’t harmful to people or pets at this level but it can damage poinsettias.

 2.  Handle with care.  Poinsettias bruise easily.  Carry and handle them gently.  Do not drop the plants!  The roots are delicate, too.  Be sure to recycle the paper packing sleeve or cardboard box.

 3.  Keep the soil media slightly moist, not too wet and not too dry. Water as soon as the surface feels powdery.  Luke-warm tap water or collected rain water is fine.

 4.  Use a wetting agent or subirrigation to cut down on watering needs.  Phosphate-free liquid soap works well as a wetting agent.  Or use watering gels, capillary matting or other watering aids (email Kathy@JfaConsultingBiz.com for more information.)   

 5.  Protect poinsettias from the cold and from drafts.  Do not leave poinsettias in a cold car or on a cold loading dock .  Poinsettias are tropical plants and need to be kept warm.

 6.  Make sure each poinsettia has a water-proof saucer or container.  Foil is not enough!  Avoid costly insurance claims and ruined furniture by using deep-dish saucers or plastic containers.  Most can be re-used or recycled after the holidays.

 7.  The real “flowers” are the nubs at the center of the colorful bracts.  The nubs should be closed when you install your plants (a sign of a younger and fresher plant) and will open as the flowers mature.  Male nubs or flowers will have pollen and female flowers will have a drop of nectar.  Pick off the nubs once they have opened to prolong the beauty of your plants.

 8.  Keep water off the leaves and bracts.  Water (especially cold water) can leave ugly black spots and lead to diseases.

 9.  While you’re at it, don’t forget that nursing homes, hospitals and other facilities need some Christmas cheer, too.  Pick up a few extra flowers and donate poinsettias to a worthy cause or homebound neighbor.

 10.  Be diligent in removing dead and dying leaves, bracts and flowers.  Keep your poinsettias looking fresh and healthy for as long as possible.  After the holidays, plant outside in warmer climates or compost for your spring gardening, and take those pots to your local recycling center.

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy New Year!