Poinsettia Care Tips
Poinsettias have become as traditional for Christmas as the Christmas Tree. However, very few know how to take care of them. Here are some simple tips on how to care for your Poinsettia.
· Watering: Place a saucer under the plant. Water thoroughly when the surface soil feels dry to the touch.
· Location: Select a place out of direct sunlight, but that is well lit. Close nearby heater vents that may blow on plant. Poinsettias are very fragile and break easily, keep out of reach of small children, pets and high traffic areas.
· Care after Christmas: Keep the plant indoors, in a bright spot. Water often enough that the soil doesn’t go completely dry. The green leaves will turn yellow and drop, this is okay. Place in a cool shady spot until May. When new leaf buds begin to swell, set the plant where it will get morning sun and filtered shade in the afternoon.
The upper leaves normally color up in the spring. If you want them to show color for next Christmas, follow these steps: In September place a box or other cover over the plant to shut the light out, which will simulate a short winter day. Uncover the plant after sunset. Continue this practice until the upper leaves begin to turn color. To deepen the color, feed every two weeks with Dr. Q’s Blood Meal.
Christmas Cactus Care Tips
Christmas cactus are perennials that bloom in December and again in late spring with proper care. Caring for them can be a simple yet rewarding experience. Here are some tips, to keep your Christmas Cactus blooming year after year.
· Watering: During the winter season, water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be careful not to overwater! In spring and summer check the soil weekly.
· Location: Select a place with bright indirect light and afternoon shade. Christmas cactus may burn if left in direct sunlight for too long. It’s joints are fragile and easily broken if mishandled. Keep out of reach of small children, pets and high traffic areas.
· Care after Christmas: Christmas cactus need well drained soil, fertilize with houseplant food or Dr. Q’s Plant Tonic 2–3 times per year. Do not feed after October, just before blooming months. If your flower buds drop, it is usually due to overwatering. If this happens, make sure your plants pot has proper drainage, fertilize lightly and move to a sunnier spot.