Holiday Poinsettias - The Christmas Flower

PORTLAND, Ore. - Dec. 17, 2013 - PRLog -- Poinsettias are a holiday favorite. Blooms fill stores and homes with their festive cheer. They are best known for their bright red and green foliage. Of course they come in may other colors including: cream, pink, and a fun white and pink marbled variety; all of which are perfect for brightening the holiday season. The professionals at Floral Design Institute offer some helpful hints to keeping these flowers happy.

The most common misconception about poinsettias is that they are poisonous. This is a myth. Research from Ohio State University has shown all parts of the plant, including leaves and sap to be non-toxic. National data collected from the American Association of Poison Control Centers show that out of approximately 22,000 exposures none show any level of toxicity. The sap from a poinsettia; while still non-toxic can be irritating to sensitive skin.  Gentle soap and water will remove irritants and sooth the affected area.

There a few tips to caring for and choosing your lovely blooms to ensure they last well into the New Year. First, choose plants that have lush green foliage all the way to the soil line. Yellowing or drooping leaves are a sign of an unhappy plant. Once the perfect plant is chosen place it in a well lit bright spot. Avoid direct sunlight, cold windows & doors, and heat vents or radiators. All of these will shorten the life of the poinsettia. Water until the soil is moist, dump the excess water from the dish below the pot to ensure the plant is not in standing water. Check the soil every three to four days, it should be moist but not saturated poinsettias do not like to be too wet. With these easy steps, poinsettias will bloom for months and add cheerful beauty to your holiday decor.