For me, the holidays aren’t complete without poinsettias in my home. The bright colors of the bracts (the specialized, colored leaves), brighten up the indoors while the colors are fading in my winter landscape.
And if you like a little variety in your holiday floral display, you’re not limited to just red Poinsettias anymore. They’re now bred in a wide range of colors, including pink, burgundy, peach, white, and even variegated. Take good care of it, and you’ll enjoy your poinsettia’s color well into March.
Tips for choosing a healthy poinsettia at the nursery
- A poinsettia bloom is composed of the true flower with several colored bracts surrounding it. Choose plants with bright green foliage along the stem and deeply colored bracts. This indicates a healthy root system and a well cared for plant which should last months.
- Take a pass on Poinsettias with yellowing, drying, dropping, or wilted leaves.
- Avoid plants that have been crowded in their planter, as they won’t survive very long once you get them home.
- Avoid Poinsettias wrapped in plastic sleeves or those which clearly have been over watered. The dead giveaway is water collecting in the colored aluminum foil around the pot.
- If you see any insects whatsoever on the plant, take a pass.
A bonus tip: Check the true flowers in the center of the bract. If they’re green or slightly red, they’ll hold longer than flowers covered with yellow pollen. The pollen indicates that the flowers are old and they’ll shed their leaves and bracts soon after you get it home.
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Tips for caring for your Poinsettia
- Poinsettias are native to the tropical climates of Mexico and Central America, so when you move the plant from the warm nursery to the cold outdoors, even if only for the car ride home, wrap it in a protective cover. Even a short blast of cold air may cause the bracts and leaves to drop.
- Indoors, Poinsettias like bright light, but not direct sunlight, for at least 6 hours a day.
- Poinsettias prefer humid air, which will be in short supply if your home is heated. They also dislike a warm or cold draft, so keep them away from windows and heating vents.
- Check the soil in the pot daily with your finger. When it feels dry to the touch, take your Poinsettia into a sink and water it. Stop watering as soon as the bottom holes start to drain, as Poinsettias hate soggy roots. Overwatering will cause damage.
- If dry air is causing the plant to wilt, water as above, but repeat again 5 minutes later.
- Remove leaves as they drop or if they appear diseased.
- If insects appear on the Poinsettia after you get it home, most can be removed by lightly washing the leaves and stems with dish soap and water. If insect problems persist, use an insecticidal soap.
Happy Holidays!