December 11, 2009

Our poor old poinsettias want to live

Urban myth - poinsettias are poisonous to people.

True - people are lethal to poinsettia plants.

Just think about how many millions of poinsettia plants are propagated every year, and how few survive more than a few weeks.

Number one problem? Pythium root rot caused by over-watering.

Drainage is key. Remove the decorative wrapper as soon as possible. Check your plant before you water. Stick a finger in the pot and if it feels damp, wait. When dry, take your plants to the sink to flush with room-temperature water and let them drain for half an hour before you put them back in a sightly sunny place.

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BBC —Backyard bird feeding changes avian evolution.