Poinsettias Love Warm Florida Weather

Poinsettias like temperatures above 30 degrees

Poinsettias are a holiday favorite, but many people throw them away after Christmas.  There are three things to do to keep poinsettias alive in Florida.

Keep poinsettias outside, but bring them inside if the temperature drops below 30 degrees.  Mist poinsettias with water daily.  Keep poinsettias in a pot with nutrient-rich soil.

Larry Lesko, master gardener at Leon County extension services, said, “Poinsettias grow best in partially shaded areas.  Avoid night-time lighting.”

Poinsettias can thrive in Florida because of the warm climate.

Orban’s Nursery is located in central Florida and supplies poinsettias to more than 30 retailers across Florida.

Chuck Whitaker, the office manager for Orban’s Nursery, said, “Poinsettias can be difficult to keep alive, because they require extra attention and care.” 

For more information on growing poinsettias, visit http://www.floridata.com/ref/e/euph_pul.cfm.

State Universities Create Health Initiatives

Bicycle used by Move Your Curve student

Tallahassee’s two state universities want more students to ride bikes.  Florida A&M University and Florida State University have new initiatives.

FAMU created Move Your Curve. The FAMU women’s health center has already given away 25 bikes to students.

Eric Wright, the coordinator of Move Your Curve, said, “The idea was originally established at The University of Florida, we just expanded their program.  They didn’t start with as many bikes as we did.” Wright said the idea started when the center noticed a lack of biking on FAMU’s campus.

Students are allowed to keep the bikes until they graduate.  While in the program students must write in a journal twice a week and attend monthly meetings.  The students are also given a $50 stipend each month.

Patrice Gray, graduate assistant for the FAMU women’s health center, said, “The students had to first submit a five-page essay and go through training lessons on bike safety. We had more students sign up than we had bikes.” Gray said she was happy with the number of students willing to participate. “Biking is something that is fun and reduces stress.”

Keyondra Lecounte, a business student at FAMU, said, “I love biking now. I save gas, it’s a quick way to get across campus, and it’s energy saving.”  Lecounte started six weeks ago and she said it helps with her exercising.

FSU’s initiative is called ReCycle. The program allows students to rent a bike for $25 per semester.  Each bike comes with a helmet, light and lock.  ReCycle distributes bikes every semester. For more about Florida State’s Sustainable Campus Initiative visit http://www.facilities.fsu.edu/sustainability/?q=node/13