What to do about ladybugs in the house
When to start amaryllis and paperwhite narcissus bulbs for the holiday
QUESTION #1: I've never had much luck growing poinsettias. They start to wilt and lose leaves, even though I give them plenty of water. Can you give me any tips on how to care for my plants? And are they poisonous, or not?
ANSWER: Poinsettias are best displayed in an area that is cool but has bright light, and is free from drafts. They should be kept evenly moist. Any deviation from these ideal growing conditions can cause leaf drop: overwatering and drying out, low light, high temperature, low humidity, or placement near a heater vent, air conditioner or open door will all do it.
Since your plants are getting plenty of water, it may be the decorative foil pot wrap. It's essential that excess water be allowed to drain from the pot within 30 minutes of watering. Punching holes in the foil may help, but it is best to remove it entirely. I wish they wouldn't use that wrap - it's that much of a problem!
Poinsettias are not poisonous. The safety of poinsettias in the home was demonstrated in scientific studies conducted by Ohio State University in cooperation with the Society of American Florists. The study concluded that no toxicity was evident, although some people develop a skin rash if exposed to the white, milky sap.
To debunk the poisonous poinsettia eating myth, Chris Beytes of Ball Publishing posted this video of eating poinsettias!
QUESTION #2: I get hordes of ladybugs in my home in late fall and periodically throughout the winter. I know ladybugs are supposed to be good for the garden, but this is getting out of hand!
ANSWER: These are Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles. Unlike our native ladybugs, the Asian lady beetles like to overwinter in and around buildings. They collect in large numbers on outside walls warmed by the sun. If there are gaps around the windows or doors, the beetles will come inside and make themselves at home. They do not feed or reproduce indoors, but they are a nuisance.
The best way to prevent the beetles from entering your home is to caulk all cracks to the outdoors. If they are already in the home, they can be scooped up and released outdoors, or they can be sucked up using the vacuum cleaner. If you place a piece of a nylon stocking in the vacuum cleaner attachment, it will catch the ladybugs before they end up smashed in the canister, and they can be released back into the outdoors, away from your house.
Household insecticides are not effective against this pest, and smashing the beetles is not recommended because the squished critters can leave a permanent stain.
QUESTION #3: I've always wanted to grow amaryllis and other bulbs for the holidays - like they show in the magazines! When should I start them?
ANSWER: Amaryllis and paperwhite narcissus bulbs are great choices for forcing because they require no pre-chilling. Amaryllis will bloom six to eight weeks after potting, so start them in early November for late December bloom. Generally one stem of four to six flowers will emerge and bloom over a period of 2-3 weeks, often followed by a second, smaller stem of blooms. Be sure to place the bulb in bright light to prevent excessive stem elongation. Temperatures of 65-70 degrees F will help keep flowers in the bud stage, while warmer temperatures will encourage flower opening.
Paperwhites will begin to bloom three to five weeks after potting, depending on the heat and light conditions of your home. Bright light and cool temperatures will promote sturdy growth that is less likely to need staking. For Christmas bloom, I would start paperwhites in late November.
