Do you know the Legend of the Poinsettia?

Poinsettias are prefect for bringing Christmas into your home with their long lasting red bracts that work great in any decor setting.  They also make the ideal living gift for that person that you never know what to get for Christmas. This enchanting legend of the poinsettia dates back several centuries, to a Christmas Eve in Mexico when a little girl named Pepita had no gift to present to the Christ child at Christmas Eve Service. As Pepita walked slowly to …

Poinsettias

Poinsettias have long been associated with Christmas and add beauty and warmth to any home during the holiday season. Poinsettias are a tropical plant with long-lived bracts (vivid color leaves) and golden yellow flowers. To ensure that your poinsettia retains its beauty, keep these tips in mind. Place in a room with bright, indirect light. Avoid temperature extremes. This includes heat from registers as well as cold drafts below 50° F. Water plant thoroughly when soil surface is dry to …

Quick tips to keep you poinsettia looking good

Poinsettias are beautiful and easy to care for. Here are a few important things to remember to help keep your poinsettia looking cheerful until long after the holidays are done.  Poinsettias can get cold damage very quickly. Keep them covered when transporting them to your home. If you see black edges on the bract, it is likely caused by cold damage during transporting home. To protect the plants, it is best to use a paper sleeve that fully covers the plant. …

Despite their toxic reputation, poinsettias are not poisonous!

The great news is they’re beautiful, they’re safe and they shout Christmas so feel free to enjoy them in your home without worry! No plant is more closely associated with Christmas than the poinsettia. It is celebrated for its beauty but also feared for its toxicity. For years, poinsettias have had the bad reputation of being poisonous. However, poinsettias have undergone extensive testing and there is no evidence that they are toxic or unsafe to have in the house. The …

It’s easy to grow and care for air plants!

Air plants don’t require soil, need only moderate light, and a good soak every once in a while. They are beautiful in terrariums and make a very affordable gift for any occasion and we have a wonderful selection available right now. Their unique appearance and growth habit make them great conversation starters. They can bring a bit of character and/or whimsy to any room. They are so easy to grow that they are the perfect starter plants for kids and …

Overwintering Plants

To overwinter or not to overwinter, THAT is the question. While plant enthusiasts are blessed with many things here in southwest Michigan, we can never take for granted that the plants we have so carefully chosen are sometimes just not suited to remain outdoors for our winter season. Three big factors to consider before you bring in those pots: Light: Can you accommodate the light requirements for each particular plant? Space: Do you have the room to bring your plants …

Caring for your Phalaenopsis Orchid

Orchids have a magical beauty and allure, with incredible colors, shapes and scents. With over 30,000 species of orchids available, it is important to know what kind of orchid you have. This holiday season, Wenke will be offering the Phalaenopsis Orchid. These plants are commonly referred to as “Moth Orchids” and are considered among the easiest of the orchid family to care for. Here are a few basic tips help your Phalaenopsis orchid grow, thrive, and bloom.  Temperature Phalaenopsis enjoy a fairly warm …

Reblooming your Poinsettia

If you are one of the few who saved your poinsettia in the hopes of getting it to bloom again… this is for you! The trick to getting Poinsettias to bloom is a very strict light and dark schedule. If it is not followed chances are your Poinsettia will not bloom. 1. Starting September 20th until December 1st, keep your Poinsettia in light from 8 am to 5 pm. Place in a closet with no window from 5 pm to 8 …

Indoor Plants to Improve Health and Reduce Stress while Brightening your Home for the Holidays

Indoor plants bring welcome warm touches of life to enclosed, stuffy rooms and soothe us with their visual impact. If you’d like to add a touch of “green” to your home, here are some beautiful plants that will fit right in with the rest of your Christmas decorations and brighten the holidays. Whether purchased for yourself or as gifts for teachers, special friends, or someone who can’t get out much anymore, the colorful blooms sing silent songs of joy. Use …