Holiday Floral 101
Few things signify the holiday season more than poinsettia plants. Poinsettias are wonderful to decorate your house and make great gifts as well. Whether you’re a traditionalist or like something a little fancier, Heinen’s has you covered with our selection of traditional, painted, glitter and Ice Punch poinsettias.
Not a fan of poinsettias? We also have a large selection of other holiday plants and greenery such as Christmas cactus, frosty ferns, holiday mixed bouquets and evergreens.
What do you do now that you have your poinsettias and holiday greenery? Follow our do’s and don’ts to keep your festive plant looking beautiful all season long.
All About Poinsettias
The widespread belief that poinsettias are poisonous is a misconception. The scientific evidence demonstrating the poinsettia’s safety is well documented. Studies conducted by The Ohio State University in cooperation with the Society of American Florists concluded that no toxicity was evident at experimental ingestion levels far exceeding those likely to occur in a home environment.
As with all ornamental plants, poinsettias are not intended for human or animal consumption, and certain individuals may experience an allergic reaction to poinsettias. However, the poinsettia has been demonstrated to be a safe plant. 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 indoor air clean!
Poinsettia Care 101
- Place your plant in indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day. If direct sun can’t be avoided, diffuse the light with a shade or sheer curtain.
- Provide room temperatures between 68 – 70° F. Generally speaking, if you are comfortable, so is your poinsettia.
- Water your plant when the soil feels dry to the touch.
- Use a large, roomy shopping bag/sleeve to protect your plant when transporting it.
- Fertilize your plant after the blooming season (November-January) with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.
- Keep your plant away from areas with cold drafts or excessive heat. Avoid placing plants near appliances, fireplaces or ventilating ducts or the top of a television.
- Place your plant in a location that is above 50° F. Poinsettias are sensitive to cold, so avoid placing them outside during the winter months.
- Overwatering your plant or allowing it to sit in standing water is harmful. Always remove a plant from any decorative container before watering, and allow the water to drain completely.
- Do not expose your plant to chilling winds when transporting it.
- Avoid fertilizing your plant when it is in bloom. (November-January)
All About Evergreens
Fresh evergreens have been a prominent part of holiday decorating for centuries. Pines, firs and cedars make stunning arrangements that last for weeks. At Heinen’s our evergreens are all high attitude Pacific West Coast greens from Washington State. Our farms harvest from the tops of great pines to ensures freshness and guarantees that our greens have tight rounded boughs with rich green color and provides us with longevity and peak needle retention.
Evergreen Care 101
- These plant materials will hold their moisture well, even in warm, dry indoor conditions, if you care for them properly. About two weeks indoors, longer if displayed outdoors.
- Purchase evergreens that look fresh. The needles should be an attractive dark green and should not feel dried out or brittle. Stems should be sturdy, but flexible, and they shouldn’t crack when you bend them gently. Don’t buy evergreens that are shedding their needles, or those that look faded or yellow.
- Give the greens a fresh cut, this will allow the evergreen stems to absorb the maximum amount of water. Put the ends into water immediately.
- Place the fresh evergreens into a 5-gallon bucket and cover them with cool water as soon as you can. Set the bucket out of direct light and leave it overnight. This will provide your plant material with maximum moisture before you make your arrangements.
- Shake the excess water from your evergreens and allow them to air dry completely. Store your completed evergreen decoration in a cool spot until you’re ready to use it.
- Display your fresh evergreen decorations out of direct sunlight and away from heat. Try to locate a shady spot for hanging outdoor items.
- Fill a repurposed plastic spray bottle with water, then mist your fresh evergreens daily.
