Poinsettias Aren't Poisonous … and More #Poinsettia Pointers for the Holiday Season

ELM GROVE, Wis. - Dec. 12, 2016 - PRLog -- As National Poinsettia Day dawns Dec. 12, it's time to dispel some myths (and a bad rap) about this colorful "Christmas flower" that brightens up millions of homes during the holiday season.

First up? The old wives' (florists?) tale that poinsettias are a lethal, poisonous danger to pets.

"Contrary to a widespread belief, poinsettias are not poisonous," said Denise Barnett, co-owner of Snapdragon Flowers of Elm Grove. "Your dog or cat can get sick from eating them, as with any plant. Poinsettias contain a white sap that can cause irritation and upset stomachs. However, its toxicity has been greatly exaggerated."

National Poinsettia Day was created in 2002 by an act of Congress. The day marks the 1851 death of Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the botanist who first brought the cheerful flowers to the U.S. from Mexico.

Dr. Poinsett might be bothered that the poinsettia's popularity these days seems limited to Christmas. Another long-held myth is that the flower should be discarded after the holiday – in fact, its vibrant colors can be enjoyed for at least another month. Given some love, diligence and darkness, a poinsettia can even burst into bloom again next Christmas season (http://elmgroveflowershop.com/occasions/christmas.html), bigger and brighter than ever.

How else can you enjoy poinsettias? Barnett (http://elmgroveflowershop.com/about-us) offers these "poinsettia pointers":

• Start by buying a healthy poinsettia. Avoid plants with dried-up leaves. A poinsettia's flower petals – the yellow, red and orange spires inside the red leaves – should be bright and firm.
• Poinsettias thrive in sunlight, but not direct light. They are sensitive to cold and overwatering. Unwrap a poinsettia's decorative foil covering to drain water. Moist soil is ideal; excess water harms the plant.
• Why discard poinsettias after the holidays? The flowers can thrive long after Christmas, and even be conditioned to bloom again for Christmas 2017. Here's how:

  • The bright red leaves, called bracts, will drop off by February's end. The plant's green leaves will keep growing. New leaves will appear.
  • Starting in very early October, the plant should be kept in darkness (ideally a closet) for 12 hours per day. Total darkness is critical. Even light from street lamps can hinder the process.
  • The bracts, or red leaves, will reappear. The darkness treatment can end. The poinsettia is on its way to becoming a bright beacon of joy and color for the holidays – ready to be enjoyed all over again.

"Growing poinsettias is a way to keep the Christmas spirit alive all year long in plant lovers' homes!" Barnett said.

Located at 13458 Watertown Plank Road, in the heart of downtown Elm Grove, Snapdragon Flowers provides fresh, beautiful flowers and plants for people, events and occasions. Its unique, innovative arrangements and designs are designed to bring smiles when desired, and comfort when needed. More information is available by calling (262) 782-8380 or visiting www.elmgroveflowershop.com.