Poinsettia Care

Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like an exquisite poinsettia houseplant. But not all poinsettias are equal. Platt Hill Nursery grows its own poinsettia plants to provide the healthiest plants in the most colors possible. We plant our “babies” in July and follow a strict regimen of fertilization, irrigation, pruning, training and disease control. We grow the traditional robust red, but also have several pinks, whites, bi-colored, and curly red ‘Winter Rose’. We are happy dress up your plant with a decorative foil on the pot for FREE, add a custom made bow for a fee.

To keep your poinsettia healthy:

• Do not place your plant near cold drafts or excessive heat, i.e. heating ducts, ceiling fans and/or fireplaces.
• Do not expose your plant to temperatures be low 50°. Poinsettias are a tropical plant and very sensitive to cold temperatures.
• Over watering your plant and/or allowing it to stand in water will cause root rot.
• The best time to fertilize your plant is when it is in bloom. After blooming, fertilize with a balanced all purpose fertilizer to keep your plant thriving.

Many people think poinsettias and Christmas cacti are poisonous. They can be irritating, but it is not fatal if eaten. If children and pets eat it, they can develop a mouth rash and upset stomach. The sap can cause a skin rash, if you have pets keep them up and out of reach if your pet enjoys munching on your houseplants! Mistletoe should be kept where it cannot be reached by young children or pets.

Learn more from poison control.

Platt Hill Nursery is Chicago’s premier garden center and nursery.