Seasonal tips for holiday plants, deicers in the landscape

'Ice Punch' poinsettia, a new introduction from Ecke Ranch. (C) Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp

‘Tis the season for reminders about poinsettias, holiday greenery and deicers in the landscape.

Place the poinsettia in a room with bright light but out of direct sun. Protect poinsettias from hot and cold drafts, such as the registers, fireplace and exterior doors that open and close frequently.

Keep the plant moist, but not wet. If you have a colorful pot cover around the poinsettia, be sure to remove it when watering so that it doesn’t sit in water, which can drown the plant. There’s no need to fertilize poinsettias. For more on this plant, download Purdue University’s The Poinsettia.

Contrary to popular notion, poinsettias are not deadly poisonous to pets or humans. Poinsettias are not very toxic to pets, reports Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “They do contain a milky sap that can irritate the mouth, but if signs develop they are usually mild.” The latex also may irritate sensitive human.

Poisonous mistletoe

Mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum) is very toxic to animals. “Mistletoe can cause vomiting, severe diarrhea, difficult breathing, shock and death within hours of ingestion,” the vet school said.

Poisonous holly

The leaves and berries of hollies (Ilex) are poisonous to people at pets, so make sure to keep the plants out of reach. Berries may look like candy to children, so don’t allow the fruit to fall on the floor. Signs are usually mile and include vomiting, pain and diarrhea, the vet school said.

For more information about other holiday hazards for pets, visit the Web site.

When concerned about ingested poisons, call the Indiana Poison Control Center, (800) 222-1222.

Landscape damage

Deicers, especially those that are salt based, can kill perennials, shrubs, trees and lawns. Make sure to keep deicers away from plants and avoid shoveling treated snow or ice onto lawns. Here are more tips on deicers and their uses.