It is important to give your cut Christmas tree proper care from the time it is purchased until the tree is removed from the house. When purchasing a cut tree give it the freshness test by running your fingers though the needles. If it feels dry and brittle and a lot of needles come off, it is a tree that has been cut for a while and is not one that you
should take into your house. When bring the tree home if it is not going to be set up right away it should be placed in a cool
shaded area and also set up in a bucket of water to keep it from drying out. As you go to set the tree up in the house, if it has been more than 12 hours since the harvest of the tree, you will need to make a new cut 1/4 to 1/2 inches directly across the bottom of the trunk to improve water uptake. Use a tree stand that is large enough and can hold plenty of water. Avoid whittling down the
sides of the trunk to fit the
stand for these outer layers are most efficient in taking water up. The stand
should hold at least one one
quart of water for every inch of trunk
diameter, the stand should hold at
least one gallon of water. Keep the tree away from any heat source (fireplaces, heat
vents, direct sunlight) lowering the
temperature in the room will slow the drying out and reduce the water consumption each day. Check the water level daily a cut tree will absorb a lot of water, particularly during the first week. Be sure the water level
does not fall below the
bottom of the trunk. Check the tree for dryness. If the needles break easily or fall off in your hand, the tree is dry and should be removed. Have a safe and happy holiday.
Poinsettias make up for 85% of potted plants sales during the holiday season. Lastyear poinsettias amounted to $220 million in sales in the United States alone. Poinsettias are grown in all 50 states, with over 100 varieties available. Most poinsettias are grown from cuttings, these cuttings are stuck in mid to late summer and are grown to full mature plants in only a few months. This is best selling flowering potted plant in the United States, over 75 million s
old and most within a six week period. The most popular color sold is red followed by pink and then white.Poinsettias are not poisonous if eaten, however some people may get a skin irritation from the milky sap. After you make your selection, make sure the plant is wrapped properly because exposure to low temperatures even for a few minutes can be damaging to this fragile tropical plant. When getting the plant home carefully unwrap it, place it in indirect light. Six or more hours of light daily is ideal
. Keep your poinsettia away from warm or cold drafts; it likes daytime temperatures around 60 to 70 degrees and and night time around 55. Check soil for moisture, do not leave plant dry to wilting this tends to drop leaves sooner. Be sure to punch holes in foil so water can drain into saucer. Discard excess water in saucer these plants do not like to be water logged.A fresh poinsettia is one on which little or no pollen is 
showing on flower cluster in the center of the bracts. Plants that have shed there pollen will soon drop there colorful bracts. Most poinsettias are bought as seasonal annuals, if you are going to try to keep this plant after the holiday start fertilizing this plant after it stops blooming. Fertilize once a month with a water soluble houseplant fertilizer. Move poinsettia outdoors when danger of frost is passed. Place in a sunny area but were it will get moderate shade in the afternoon. To get the plant to re flower you will have to keep it in total darkness between 5pm and 8am. Starting around October 1 and continue until color shows on the bracts.
