DAYTON'S POINSETTIAS
Not your typical poinsettia, our plants have been beefed up with extra calcium to create sturdy, thick stems that do not droop or break. Also, the flower bracts are sprayed with a low concentration of a plant hormone that makes the flower bracts enlarge giving that extra edge over grocery store poinsettias.
2018 Pricing:
4.5″ pot – $4.99
6.5″ pot – $10.99
7.5″ pot – $19.99
8.5″ pot – $23.99
10″ pot – $29.99
LEGEND OF THE POINSETTIA
According to an old legend, a poor Mexican girl had no gift to present the Christ Child on his birthday. As she walked to the chapel, her heart filled with sadness. Not knowing what else to do, she gathered a handful of common weeds from the roadside and arranged them into a small bouquet. She then looked at the scraggly bunch of weeds and felt embarrassed by the humbleness of the offering. But, this was the only gift she could offer. As she entered the chapel, she remembered the words of her cousin, “Even the most humble gift, given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes”. Her spirits began to lift as she knelt down and laid the bouquet in front of the nativity scene. Suddenly, the bouquet burst into blooms of brilliant red. All who saw this were certain they had just seen a Christmas miracle right before their eyes. Through that miracle, the first “Flower of the Holy Night” bloomed. This was the birth of the Poinsettia
CARE OF POINSETTIAS
LOCATION
Medium light areas are best for poinsettias, but they will tolerate low light. Avoid full sun to prevent burned leaves. Selecting a place out of direct sunlight, but that is well lit, is best.
WATER
Place a saucer under the plant. Water when the soil surface becomes dry.
TEMPERATURES
Keep at temperatures between 60-70º F.
POST HOLIDAY CARE
When the poinsettia’s blooms age and lose their charisma, there’s no reason to throw it out. If you want to maintain your poinsettia beyond the Christmas season, you will need to give it some attention on a regular basis. With proper care, dedication and a certain amount of luck, you too can re-bloom your poinsettia!
In early April, cut the plant back to about 6 or 8 inches in height and place it outside in the shade after all chance frost has passed and night temperatures average 55 degrees or above. Keep the plant watered and fertilize the poinsettia every 2-3 weeks. Prune your poinsettia during the summer to keep plants bushy and compact. Late June or early July is a good time for this step, but do not prune your plant later than Sept 1. Bring the plant indoors before threat of cool weather.
Beginning in October, the plants should be kept in complete darkness for 14 continuous hours at night. Put it in total darkness from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. every night, keeping the soil evenly moist and fertilize like you do your other houseplants until January. Cover the plant with a black plastic bag to prevent any light from getting in but remove the bag during the day. By mid-November, the bracts, the modified leaves that we all think of as the flower, should start to show color. Keep on your long-night schedule, though.
During November and December, poinsettias require 6-8 hours of bright sunlight daily, with night temperatures between 60-70 degrees F. Continue a normal watering and fertilizer program. The correct amount of water is very important, poinsettias will not tolerate moisture extremes. Do not keep the potting mix too wet or too dry. If allowed to dry out too much, the plant will wilt and drop it’s leaves. Additionally, do not allow the plant to remain in standing water. This could result in root rot, which will cause the plant to decline. Carefully follow this regime for 8-10 weeks should result in a colorful display of blooms for the holiday season
IS IT POISONOUS?
The widespread belief that poinsettias are poisonous is a misconception. Studies conducted by the Ohio State University concluded that no toxicity was evident at experimental ingestion levels far exceeding those likely to occur in a home environment. Though, as with all ornamental plants, poinsettias are not intended for human or animal consumption, and certain individuals may experience an allergic reaction to poinsettias. In fact, in 1992, the poinsettia was included on the list of houseplants most helpful in removing pollutants from indoor air. So, not only is the poinsettia a safe and beautiful addition to your holiday decor, it can even help keep your air clean
NATIONAL POINSETTIA DAY
By an Act of Congress, December 12 was set aside as National Poinsettia Day. The date marks the death in 1851 of Joel Roberts Poinsett, who is credited with introducing the native Mexican plant to the United States. The purpose of this day is to enjoy the beauty of this popular holiday plant. So, be sure to give someone you love a poinsettia on December 12, National Poinsettia Day