During the summer, while folks are relaxing poolside, we are planting and tending to poinsettia plants. We receive millions of plant cuttings in June and carefully grow them till the holiday season. We grow over 85 varieties of poinsettias in several pot sizes as well as in hanging baskets. Poinsettias adorn homes, churches, offices and make great holiday gift plants. They look great in decorative foil or we can jazz them up a bit. We can add curly “ting”, live greens, put them in a basket with a bow, group several together or even paint them! Our pointed poinsettias are quite sensational. We use special products, made exclusively for poinsettias; we can even sprinkle special glitter on them. Each one is unique and truly a Christmas work of art.

Sandy’s Digs™ – “Tips for Gardening Success”

Q. How do I take care of my poinsettia(s) at home/office?

A.

• Remove the paper/plastic sleeve as soon as possible once inside your home/office.  (Leaving your plant in the sleeve too long builds up ethylene gas and will make the plant wilt or look “sleepy”.  It is called epinasty)
• Place your plant in indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.
• Room temperature between 64-70 degrees F.
• Remember your poinsettia is a tropical plant and does not like cold drafts, air registers or open doors and windows or excessive heat.
• Check for water daily, most likely your poinsettia will need water 1-2x’s per week depending on room temperature and light levels. Water when soil is dry to touch or the pot feels light. The best way to water your plant is to remove the foil/saucer and place plant in sink and water well until water runs out of bottom of pot.  After watering let plant(s) drain for a few minutes then place back in foil/saucer.  If you can’t move your plants to a sink then water slowly, let water drain into saucer and discard excess water, don’t let plants sit in water. Poinsettias don’t need fertilizer while blooming.
• Poinsettias like other tropical plants will acclimatize to your home environment; the biggest trick to be consistent with your care

Q. My grandmother told me that poinsettias are dangerous to my kids and pets. Is that true?

A. No. Poinsettia plants are a great American tradition during the holiday season and are not toxic. Some consumers think that poinsettias are toxic. Much research and testing has been done. The consensus of government agencies, health centers, veterinary groups, and plant and flower organizations  is that poinsettias are not toxic and do not pose a health threat to children or pets. Like other non-food items, if ingested, the poinsettia may cause some stomach discomfort; but nothing more serious.

Q. Is there really a National Poinsettia Day?

A. Yes, by an Act of Congress, December 12 was set aside as National Poinsettia Day. The date marks the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett, who is credited with introducing the native Mexican plant to the United States.  So, why wait till Christmas? Be sure to give someone you love a poinsettia on December 12, National Poinsettia Day!

Q. Last year, I purchased one of your painted poinsettias. Can I try doing this myself at home? Where can I buy the supplies?

A. You know the cliché, “Do not try this at home”. We use specially manufactured adhesives, glitter and paints for poinsettias. We have a separate area at our facility where our designers create truly works of art.

Q. Is it true that Poinsettias were originally used to help bring down a fever?

A. Yes, by the Ancient Aztecs. Years ago, the milky white sap was made into a preparation to treat fevers. For todays’ fevers, check with your doctor about what to use!

Q. Can I keep my poinsettia after I take down the tree? Can I re-bloom my plant?

A. Yes, here is some information taken from the technical support division of the Ecke Ranch, one of our sources for our poinsettia cuttings.

After the Holidays
When the poinsettia's bracts age and lose their aesthetic appeal, there's no reason to throw it out. With proper care, dedication and a certain amount of luck, you too can re-bloom your poinsettia!

By late March or early April, cut your poinsettia back to about 8" in height. Continue a regular watering program, and fertilize your plant with a good, balanced all-purpose fertilizer. By the end of May, you should see vigorous new growth.

Place your plants outdoors, where they can bask in the warmth of spring and summer, after all chance of frost has passed and night temperatures average 55° F or above. Continue regular watering during the growth period, and fertilize every 2 to 3 weeks.

Pruning may be required during the summer to keep plants bushy and compact. Late June or early July is a good time for this step, but be sure not to prune your plant later than September 1. Keep the plants in indirect sun and water regularly.

Around June 1, you may transplant your poinsettia into a larger pot. Select a pot no more than 4 inches larger than the original pot. A soil mix with a considerable amount of organic matter, such as peat moss or leaf mold, is highly recommended. In milder climates, you may transplant the plant into a well-prepared garden bed. Be sure the planting bed is rich in organic material and has good drainage.

The poinsettia is a photoperiodic plant, meaning that it sets bud and produces flowers as the Autumn nights lengthen. Poinsettias will naturally come into bloom during November or December, depending on the flowering response time of the individual cultivar. Timing to produce blooms for the Christmas holiday can be difficult outside of the controlled environment of a greenhouse. Stray light of any kind, such as from a street light or household lamps, could delay or entirely halt the re-flowering process.

Starting October 1, the plants must be kept in complete darkness for 14 continuous hours each night. Accomplish this by moving the plants to a totally dark room, or by covering them overnight with a large box. During October, November and early December, poinsettias require 6 - 8 hours of bright sunlight daily, with night temperatures between 60 - 70° F. Temperatures outside of this range could also delay flowering.
Continue the normal watering and fertilizer program. Carefully following this regime for 8 to 10 weeks should result in a colorful display of blooms for the holiday season!