“Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas….” The poinsettias are here! Nothing brightens an office in December like a huge bright red poinsettia plant or two (or twenty!) Each year at this time, thousands of poinsettias are delivered to offices throughout the GTA. We receive questions daily about how to keep them looking beautiful throughout the season. Here are a few tips and interesting facts about these festive additions to your office.
Poinsettias are native to Mexico, where they grow to heights of 10 feet or more and bloom naturally along the countryside. They are grown here in Canada in specialized greenhouses and are forced into bloom late November. With proper care, poinsettias will keep their colour for weeks. Poinsettias are part of the Cactus family; the botanical name is Euphorbia pulcherrima. They are available in many unique colours; red, white, pink, marble (pink and white), and Jingle Bells (red with white spots) being the most popular, in that order.
If you are selecting the flowers yourself, purchase plants that appear strong and healthy, with large, brightly coloured flowers, and abundant dark green leaves. Make sure the small yellow flowers in the center are still visible. Do not purchase plants that are displayed with the plastic sleeves pulled up around the plant. The sleeves should be used only for transport. Remove them as soon as the plants are in your home or office. Protect the plants from the cold at all costs. They are very sensitive and will quickly drop their leaves and wilt if exposed to the cold. Check the soil before watering, it should feel just a bit moist. Never let the soil dry out. Poinsettias may need water daily, depending on the temperature and humidity in the room. Discard any water that may be in the bottom of the pot or saucer after watering. Place the plant in medium light, away from bright direct sun, draughts or direct heat.
Poinsettias are meant to be enjoyed in full bloom. It is best to discard them after the blooms have faded. It is very difficult, often impossible without the right conditions to get them to bloom again. In an office environment they will eventually lose most of their leaves and will detract from the appearance of the rest of your plantscape.
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