slo’s MONDAY 12/18 poll - Poinsettias

[VandVsmama]

We have cats and they're really toxic to cats, so don't have any in the house!

 

[RedAngie]

I like poinsettias, but like others have mentioned, I no longer get them since I adopted a cat.

I suppose I could get some nice artificial ones.

 

[luvthatduke]

DH gets a huge one every year from work.
They are gorgeous, and everyone gets one.
I wanted to give it to someone this year but the weather didn't cooperate.
Now, I'll just enjoy it until I kill it (not purposely, I'm no good with houseplants).

 

[lilmc]

The toxicity to animals (and humans) is way, way overblown. Unless you just don’t like the mess as your dog knocks them over or your cat eats all plants and pukes them up on the dining room table (mine), there is no reason to avoid them due to your critters. (True) lilies, on the other hand, are highly toxic to cats (think almost as bad as antifreeze), even just the pollen.

 

[mumto3girls]

I’ve had them in the past, i don’t have them now. They are pretty, but i have so much Christmas decor I really don’t have a good spot for plants during the season.

 

[RedAngie]

It’s only about 40F here now. I just saw a woman load about 10 poinsettias into the back of her SUV. I hope she’s going right home.

About 10 years ago I made the mistake of leaving a poinsettia in my car for several hours while i finished running errands. It was not pretty.

 

[ronandannette]

I’ve never had them before, but my younger one’s travel ball team sold them as a fundraiser this year. My parents bought us some so they’d be on display for their holiday visit. I hope they make it, because I’m awful with plants.

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They're not hard to care for at all, and you only have to keep them going a couple of weeks. Don't over-water (wait until the soil feels dry on top) and keep them away from cold drafts.

 

[OKW8297]

I really like them but won’t have them because of the kitties.

 

[Sweettears]

We have multiple. Red white peppermint. It’s not Christmas to me without them. I used to own a greenhouse and sold them every year.

 

[Sweettears]

They're not hard to care for at all, and you only have to keep them going a couple of weeks. Don't over-water (wait until the soil feels dry on top) and keep them away from cold drafts.

Yep. Exactly

 

[Sweettears]

I love poinsettias. We live in South Florida and thru the years I have had success with planting them in the ground in our front yard. I now have 3 planted in the ground from last year that have grown into one huge one. It is quite beautiful!

Yea. They are native to Mexico so might do somewhat well in Florida

 

[ronandannette]

Yep. Exactly

Here, it's the cold-draft part that's hard. At this time of year the temps can be -25C on the daily. Even packing a poinsettia from the store to your car to get it home can be enough to do it BAD damage.

 

[Sweettears]

Here, it's the cold-draft part that's hard. At this time of year the temps can be -25C on the daily. Even packing a poinsettia from the store to your car to get it home can be enough to do it BAD damage.

Yep. Chicago area so not quite as severe but definitely poses a challenge

 

[ronandannette]

Yep. Chicago area so not quite as severe but definitely poses a challenge

We have multiple. Red white peppermint. It’s not Christmas to me without them. I used to own a greenhouse and sold them every year.

In terms of hardiness, I've always had the best luck with the pink ones. Is it because they're hybrids?

 

[Sweettears]

In terms of hardiness, I've always had the best luck with the pink ones. Is it because they're hybrids?
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Likely. Poinsettias in nature are all red

 

[Sweettears]

Likely. Poinsettias in nature are all red