Poinsettia Care Tips

Poinsettias are one of the longest lasting blooming plants available to consumers.

Choosing the perfect poinsettia:

1. Pick a plant with small, tightly clustered buds in the center.
2. Look for crisp, bright, undamaged foliage.
3. Avoid plants displayed in drafty or crowded areas.

To keep the poinsettia blooming:

1. When the surface is dry to the touch, water thoroughly. Discard excess water in the saucer.
2. To prolong color, keep a temperature range of 60 degrees for the night and 72 degrees for
   the day. High humidity is preferable.
3. Place plants away from hot or cold drafts, and protect them from cold winds.
   

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Poinsettia Toxicity Myth

The poinsettia is the most widely tested consumer plant on the market today, proving the myth about the popular holiday plant to be false:

• Scientific research from the Ohio State University has proved the poinsettia to be non toxic to both humans and pets. All parts of the plant were tested, including the leaves and sap.
  
• According to poisindex, the national information center for poison control centers, a child would have to ingest 500 -600 leaves in order to exceed the experimental doses that found no toxicity.
  
• A study by Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University found that out of 22,793 reported poinsettia exposures there was essentially no toxicity significance of any kind. The study used national data collected by the American Association of Poison Control.

As with any non food product, however, the poinsettia is not meant to be eaten and can cause varying degrees of discomfort, therefore, the plant should be kept out of the reach of young children and curious pets.

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