| | Years of breeding programs have resulted in poinsettias that are pink, cream, peach, white and red or pink variegated varieties. There is even a variety that is cream, rose and pink. This variety of colours is a far cry from the poinsettia selections available originally found in Mexico where the plant originated.
The coloured part of the poinsettia, often thought of as the flower, is actually modified leaves called bracts. The flowers are actually the small yellow buds in the centre of the bracts. The colour of the bracts deepens as the bract ages and the plant changes colour during the Christmas season. Despite the multitude of colours available, red still is the most popular.
When selecting a poinsettia, select a plant with good bract colour, and be sure the colour extends right to the edges of the bracts. If the edge is green, the plant is not fully mature and it will never reach its full potential. Plants with dark green and plentiful foliage down to the soil line are a great choice. The stems of the plant should be stiff with no signs of wilting, drooping or breaking.
The proper proportion size and shape to the container is important to the general attractiveness and balance of the plant. Be sure to look at the plant’s soil – avoid waterlogged soil especially if the plant is wilted as this can indicate root rot, an irreversible root disease.
Moving live plants on cold, winter days can be traumatic to the plant. Make the plant shop the last stop before going home, and ensure the vehicle is warm. Wrapping the plant in paper is the best way to transport. Paper wrapping is a better insulator than plastic. Be sure to unwrap the plant as soon as possible. Leaving it in the sleeve too long can cause the plant to begin to deteriorate.
Placement in the home is also important to plant health. Poinsettias thrive in bright, direct light in the Alberta winter. They require about six hours of light a day. Low light levels will cause the leaves to yellow and drop. The ideal room temperature is about 20 to 22 degrees C; a comfortable indoor temperature is usually ideal for poinsettia. Drafty spots such as windowsills or hot spots such as on the television, in front of the heat ducts or a fireplace can make the whole plant droop. The worst spot for the plant is on the floor in front of the heater vent as it can cook there.
Water poinsettia when soil is dry to the touch, but never let it dry completely. If allowed to get too dry, the plant’s leaves will shrivel. Water thoroughly, and allow the excess water to drain from the pot, and then dump the drip tray. The decorative foil around the pot holds water, so remove the foil or put holes through in the same place as the pot's drainage holes. Soil that is kept too wet causes the colour to fade in patches on the bracts and leaves. Avoid fertilizing the plant while it is in bloom.
For further poinsettia care instructions, ask the experts at local garden shops. |
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