Poinsettia season

Years ago I walked into a courthouse which had a five year old poinsettia. It vined across the office, expanding at least 12 feet. I was amazed. It is poinsettia season and with this beautiful commonly red plant, comes the desire to keep one alive for as long as you can. Here are some tips to help you keep your poinsettia alive as long as possible.

1. Poke holes in the foil so it has good drainage.
2. When you pick it up from the store, make sure it is wrapped completely as to keep it from getting cold weather damaged.
3. Poinsettia's like bright indirect sunlight with little to no ventilation so keep it away from drafts and windows.
4. After it is done blooming, you may fertilize it once per month. (Do not fertilize it while it is in bloom).
5. Ideal temperatures are from 60-70 degrees.

*Most poinsettias last only 6-8 weeks, but with luck you can get yours to live as long as the one I saw in that Court House. :)

Orchid Care

WATERING:
In the summer when inside temperatures are 80+, you should water them once per week. The method is as important as the consistency. Place the plant inside enough water to cover the bark and soak for 3-5 minutes. then drain it well.

In the winter, water it every 2-3 weeks. Orchids roots like to dry out 80-90% between waterings.

LIGHTING:
Filtered lighting. Orchids do not like hot-direct sunlight. A little direct light in the cooler mornings are ok.

AIR:
Air movement is important for orchids. You should leave a window open or put a fan in the room to prevent mold in the leaf joints.

TEMPURATURE:
No less than 55-60 degrees, otherwise flowers suffer. They prefer 65-80 during the day and 55-70 at night.

FERTILIZING:
Only fertilize when not in bloom! Fertilize 10-15-10 once per month. Again, fertilize only when not in bloom!

TRANSPLANTING:
Orchids love to be crowded so only re-pot after they split the plastic pot they live in- into 2. Then only move up one pot size. Do not use soil, purchase Orchid Potting Mix! :)

Enjoy Your Orchid!