Vermont Public is independent, community-supported media, serving Vermont with trusted, relevant and essential information. We share stories that bring people together, from every corner of our region. New to Vermont Public? Start here.

© 2024 Vermont Public | 365 Troy Ave. Colchester, VT 05446

Public Files:
WVTI · WOXM · WVBA · WVNK · WVTQ · WVTX
WVPR · WRVT · WOXR · WNCH · WVPA
WVPS · WVXR · WETK · WVTB · WVER
WVER-FM · WVLR-FM · WBTN-FM

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact hello@vermontpublic.org or call 802-655-9451.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Holiday Flowers: Keep Your Home Beautiful, Pets And Kids Safe

 A red poinsettia flower sits on a table with evergreen boughs and holiday ornaments.
anyaivanova
/
iStock
Poinsettia flowers have become a symbol of the holidays around the world, and originate as shrubs in their native Central America.

Those pretty red poinsettias adorning your holiday table actually grow as shrubs in their native Central America. These posies have become the symbol of the holidays in many countries all over the world. In this episode, we’ll learn about poinsettia varieties, how to care for them and the ever-important question: are poinsettias really poisonous?

These plants were first shared and brought to the United States in the 1800s by Joel Poinsett, a botanist and ambassador to Mexico. By the 1900s, poinsettias were grown and sold in California as potted plants.

Though the traditional color is red, poinsettias come in a rainbow of other colors, like apricot, yellow, burnt orange and even salmon. They grow into a range of different sizes.

It is the bracks - or modified leaves - that boast bright color and not flower petals themselves. With proper care, poinsettias should last in your house for a couple of months. Make sure they are in a bright room and try not to overwater.

Q: Every year at this time, I purchase an indoor amaryllis bulb-growing kit. Every year I have beautiful blooms. This year the bulb that came in the kit has some rot going on after only two weeks. I inspected the bulb and cleaned off what roots were left. Do you think it will grow or is it a lost cause? — Elaine, in Essex Junction

First, try and return the bulb to the store where you purchased it and let them know about the issue. They might replace it. Otherwise, you are doing all the right things to get it in good shape by removing the rot. Also, you could try to dust it with a bit of sulfur powder. As long as you are trimming the roots, it should form new roots and grow into a beautiful flower.

A thin grey line.

All Things Gardening is powered by you, the listener! Send your gardening questions and conundrums and Charlie may answer them in upcoming episodes. You can also leave a voicemail with your gardening question by calling VPR at (802) 655-9451.

Hear All Things Gardening during Weekend Edition Sunday with VPR host Mary Engisch, Sunday mornings at 9:35.

Have questions, comments or tips?Send us a messageor get in touch by tweeting us @vprnet.

We've closed our comments. Read about ways to get in touch here.

Mary Williams Engisch is a local host on All Things Considered.
Charlie Nardozzi is a nationally recognized garden writer, radio and TV show host, consultant, and speaker. Charlie is the host of All Things Gardening on Sunday mornings at 9:35 during Weekend Edition on Vermont Public. Charlie is a guest on Vermont Public's Vermont Edition during the growing season. He also offers garden tips on local television and is a frequent guest on national programs.
Latest Stories