Christmas Poinsettia

Photo: Mr. Dickie, trying to learn how to avoid getting lost. The training didn't stick.

Our next door neighbor, John, works for a nursery company. At Christmas time, in 2006, he gave us a lovely poinsettia with beautiful red bracts. After the holiday season we continued to grow the plant in our diningroom on the east side of the house. We were amazed at how long the plant kept the red bracts. We were careful never let the plant go without watering.

During 2007 the plant continued to grow bigger. The green foliage was very dark and healthy looking. When the 2007 Christmas season arrived we were taken completely by surprise when the plant again set the red bracts. This was very unusual. For the bracts to set requires a certain number of hours of darkness each day. In the past we have tried to set the bracts on other poinsettias by growing them under lights and covering them in a black box. That never worked. This time our plant and mother nature set the btacts without us even thinking about it.

In 2008 Melva made three plants from the one large plant. At Christmas time the two newest plants set the red bracts and once again, for the third year in a row, we didn't have to buy a poinsettia. The older and larger plant wasn't as close to the big diningroom window. It didn't show any signs of setting the bracts. Later, Melva moved it closer to the other two plants. It now looks like we will have more color from this plant in later on in January.
We wish you could enjoy the display.

Mr. Dickie