Poinsettia
Story of the Poinsettia
Craft time
Create a cute flower craft. I made these with our sunday school craft and the kids loved them. I like how they look all over our classroom. Cut the shape of the flower and hole punch yellow circles . Add glitter. Here is our sample.
How to care for your flower.
In order to keep these plants attractive, here are some “do” tips for their care at home. It should be placed in a room with enough indirect sunlight to read a newspaper for at least six hours per day. The room temperature should be 60 to 70 degrees F. When the soil feels dry, apply water until some excess drains out.
To prevent common problems, there are several “don’t” tips for the Holiday Season. Do not place the plant on a TV set, adjacent to appliances, heaters or in a cold or hot draft. Do not sit in water, or leaves will drop. Do not apply fertilize, when the bracts are in “bloom.”
These tips should help the plant to remain colorful for many weeks.
- If one is very serious about keeping and growing the plant for the next season, try the following interesting procedure:
- New Year’s – continue to apply water as needed.
- Valentine’s Day – after the bracts fade or fall, prune to five inches high, set the plant where it will receive indirect light, temperatures at 55 to 60 degrees F. Water just enough to keep the stems from shriveling and apply a balanced-houseplant fertilizer St. Patrick’s Day – remove dried stems and leaves, then apply a water-soluble balanced-houseplant fertilizer.
- When new growth appears, transplant it to a larger container with fresh potting mix and gradually move it to full sunlight. During the warm months, it will grow best in moist-rich potting mix, and in a bright sunlight area that is free from drafts.
- Memorial Day – Prune the new growth back to force several stems.
- July 4th – Prune the new growth back, and increase the fertilizer.
- Labor Day – Move plant indoors so it only has six hours of sunlight, reduce the fertilizer, and prune - but no more after Labor Day.
- First Day of Autumn - it should receive only 10 hours of full sunlight during the day and 14 hours of total darkness each night, with night temperatures at 65 to 70 degrees F. Once the bracts start to change color, it can be moved back out to regular daylight hours.
- Thanksgiving – Discontinue day/night treatment, move plant into a sunny area, and reduce water
Nikki is homeschooling mom to 4 children and 2 step children. Ages 10 months to 19 years old . Previously a preschool teacher, Proud mom of an Army child, a stage mom, nursery supervisor, youth group leader, and Co-op steering member. She blogs at
7Valleyhomeschool
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