Poinsettias at Country Garden Greenhouse and Nursery.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Anita Strong
December 25, 2021 - 9:30 AM
Christmas is coming and some are purchasing a traditional poinsettia plant to add a bright pop of colour to the holiday season.
The poinsettia is well known for its green and red colours and is widely used in Christmas floral displays but if you want the boldest, biggest leaves on your poinsettia, you will have to treat it just right.
Anita Strong has been the co-owner of Country Garden Greenhouse and Nursery in Kamloops for over three decades.
“Poinsettia plants grow best during the winter months, which is why they are the most popular potted plant during the holidays,” she said. “With proper care the plant can maintain its beauty for much longer than the Christmas season."
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The plant originates from Central America and needs surroundings that simulate a similar environment.
“They are used to a fair amount of sun,” Strong said. “We recommend placing yours by a well-lit window so it can receive a proper amount of sunlight. East-facing windows are best so they can catch the morning’s glow and bask in the afternoon shade. Make sure no part of your plant touches the windowpane as this could harm the plant.”
Poinsettia plants do not like too little or too much water. Strong said it is important to maintain slightly damp soil.
“Water when you feel it is dry or see leaves wilting,” she said. “The key is to let the water drain out the bottom and make sure your plant is not sitting in water.”
Strong said for best results, poinsettias should be kept in a warm room and misted daily to simulate the tropical climate it originated from.
“The flowers will be small if you don’t treat them right,” she said. “They don’t like to be in cold draft. If you find a place in your house that fits that description it will last until Easter, if you let it dry out it will lose leaves and eventually it won’t look good anymore.”
Nancy Donnithorne is an avid gardener in Kamloops. She is deciding whether or not she’ll bring a poinsettia home for the holidays.
“I’ll find one that is vibrant in colour in either the traditional red or the creamy white,” she said. “It should be a strong stemmed plant with large and perky leaves.”
Donnithorne said when bringing home a poinsettia to take it out of its plastic or foil container wrap to give it circulation.
“I have put my plants in a south window area but not direct sun and it grew happily for a few years,” she said. “Sometimes you can do everything for this plant and it just doesn't live. So look for the healthy strong plant in the start and you should enjoy it throughout the holiday season.”
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