Poinsettias
I know this may seem an odd time to talk about a plant that is traditionally a Holiday item, but many people still have Poinsettias in their homes after Christmas is over. I thought I'd mention a bit about them, and a few tips on keeping them growing until the following season. Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are native to Mexico and can grow from 2 - 16 feet in height, although here in the Northeast, we typically see the shorter ones. In places such as Florida, they can be grown as shrubs due to the warmer, year round weather. I imagine they lost many of them this winter though with the frost, as Poinsettias cannot tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees. The plant bears dark green leaves and brightly colored bracts, which many think are flower petals. Actually, the bracts are colored leaves. The leaves change color due to photoperiodism which means that the plant requires 12 hours of continued darkness...