The Poinsettia which is known as “Flor de Noche Buena” (Christmas Eve Flower) in Mexico & Central America. Grown in its native habitat, the tropical shrub can grow up to 10 feet (gardeningknowhow.com).
by John Green, Certified Texas Expert Gardener, Orange TX
Once again, another year is winding down and the holidays are a few weeks away. I find myself reflecting on the years’ gardening accomplishments (time for reminiscing about other things later…once the weather turns toward winter), as well as things which remain undone which become the basis for next year’s action plan! As Thanksgiving (my personal favorite holiday-food related) and Christmas holidays draw near, there will be a plethora of things which will need attention or not. It is my opinion that holiday Marketing campaigns typically remove or diminish the “intent” of each holiday casting a ‘material’ slant on each, which I refuse to get “drawn” into the purchasing hype…remember everyone has a choice! For some readers (me included), the holidays are dreaded, complicated family affairs which cause anxiety, since not all family ‘moments’ are cherished but rather confrontational. For those of you who might have similar plights, it is my personal wish for each of you to have short, uneventful, stress-free days of celebration.
While I’m not complaining about our warm weather trend, cooler weather would greatly benefit winter vegetable gardens and drastically reduce mosquito exponential population growth. It seems fall is “tippy toeing” into Southeast TX this season but soon we will experience much cooler temperatures, as a reminder (in case you haven’t already done so), prepare for colder weather by protecting temperature sensitive plants (move them to an enclosed area or keep covers handy- use burlap, then over lay with another layer of plastic sheeting), people (dress in layers to stay warm and remain hydrated while exposed outdoors), pets (provide them warm, dry enclosures with adequate food and water or better yet- bring them inside) and pipes (make certain exterior pipes are insulated…insulate pipes while weather is warm-speaking from experience).
Thanksgiving will be here in a “moment”, then Christmas will be upon us! There are several plants which I find amazing but one of my most favorite holiday plants can already be purchased… Poinsettias! No other holiday plant (in my opinion) is more beautiful than Poinsettia, which for many symbolizes Christmas.
Fun Fact: The plants’ popularity in the United States is solely attributed to Joel Poinsett (a botanist, physician, and first U.S. Minister to Mexico). The ‘winter flowering’ of the plant intrigued him, so he imported it to his South Carolina home for cultivation.
Poinsettias are available in several color palettes with red (traditional), white, or pink being the most common colors. Our family will typically purchase several colorful plants in varying palettes to create dramatic focal points inside the home. The plants are easy to care for and there is no reason to discard poinsettias after the Christmas holiday.
They require bright, indirect light and should be placed in a location inside, protected from hot or cold drafts. Begin fertilizing once their color begins to fade and always protect from temperatures 50 degrees F or below. After Christmas until the beginning of spring, place Poinsettias in a sunny location (indoors) keeping the soil barely moist. Trim plants to a height around 7 to 9-inches. As leaves begin appearing in Spring, continue watering and fertilize. Once new growth appears, repot the plant and relocate outdoors to an area that receives morning sun, fertilizing weekly. Pinch a quarter of the tips of the Poinsettia back to encourage branching and bring the plant indoors when night temperatures fall below 50 degrees F.
The beginning of October (01Oct) to mid-December (15Dec) restrict the amount of light the plant receives to force it into bloom. Do this by placing the plant in a dark place or covering it from 4PM to 7AM daily. Make certain the plant receives NO light during the daily dark periods! Provide the plant only 6 to 8 hours sunlight daily. Once the leaf bracts begin setting color, discontinue the dark period and withhold fertilizer.
Yearlong Care Tips
Christmas Holiday
- Place the Poinsettia in a bright, well-lit, interior location
- Water the plant when soil is dry to the touch
- Keep away drafts- hot or cold
- Fertilize after color begins to fade
- Protection required- temperatures below 50° F
Christmas Holiday to Early Autumn
- Place the Poinsettia in a bright, well-lit, interior location- keeping soil barely moist
- Remove 7 to 9-inches of plant height after leaves fall in the Spring, water & fertilize
- As new growth appears, repot, relocate outdoors (morning sun only), and fertilize
- Pinch tips back ¼ to encourage the Poinsettia to branch out
- Relocate indoors as night temperatures fall below 50° F
Forced Blooming
- Begin forcing October 1 through December 15
- Place Poinsettia in a dark place (4PM to 7AM), absolutely NO light can break the dark time
- Provide only 6-8 hours of sun per day
- Once bracts color begins forming, discontinue long dark nights and fertilize
- Relocate Poinsettia to an area of home for optimal viewing
Until next time fellow gardeners, let’s go out and grow ourselves a greener and more sustainable world, one Poinsettia at a time! Please send your gardening questions to: jongreene57@gmail.com.
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