Poinsettia 'Red Velvet'
Photo: Paul Ecke Ranch

Poinsettia Care

First, let's do away with two myths.

First: Poinsettias are not poisonous. Although you wouldn't want to eat one, you can feel safe in their presence. Feel better now? Good, because these holiday favorites deserve a place in every home.

Second: What we enjoy on poinsettias are not the flowers, but the brightly colored bracts. The bracts are actually modified leaves. The true flowers are those wimpy little knobs in the center of the bracts. So when we talk about "bract color" just think "flowers."

And it's no myth that with proper selection and care, poinsettias can bring carefree color to your home all the way through the holiday season. With some extra attention, they can even be brought back next year, though that's a job for the most dedicated gardeners. For now, let's look at the best way to select a poinsettia.

Related slide show: The New Look of Poinsettias

If you haven't shopped for poinsettias in a while, you'll be astonished by the variety of colors and patterns now available. The traditional red and white varieties have been joined by ones with pink, coral, purple, speckled, and marbled bracts -- even varieties with variegated (multicolored) leaves.

Regardless of bract color, picking a poinsettia that will last means paying attention to some basic features. Here's what to look for:

• The plant should look fresh and firm, and have fully colored bracts and dense foliage all the way down to the pot. Pass up plants that looked wilted, or where the bracts have a lot of green along the edges.
• Well-grown plants will look good from all sides. Traditionally, the plants should be about 2 1/2 times tall as the diameter of the pot. Select plants that have been removed from shipping sleeves so you get a good look.
• Check the moisture level of the soil. It should be moist, but not wet. A plant sitting in dry soil will deteriorate quickly.
• When checking out of the store, have the plant put into a large paper bag to protect it from cold on the way to your car. If the store insists on putting the plant into a tight sleeve, unwrap the plant at home as soon as possible.

Related article: New Ways with Poinsettias

Today's poinsettias are bred for extra-long life. With proper care, the colorful bracts should last well into the new year. To keep poinsettias looking good:

• Keep your poinsettias between 68 and 70 degrees F. If you're comfortable, they will be comfortable, too. Never expose the leaves to temperatures below 50 degrees F.
• Check the soil daily and water as soon as the surface feels dry. Be sure to empty any water that collects in the saucer beneath the pot.
• Place your poinsettias where they will get as much bright light as possible, but never in direct sun. If your plant is close to a south-facing window, use sheer curtains to filter the sun's rays. Also, avoid placing your plant in drafty locations, near a door or heating grate, for example.
• Do not fertilize poinsettias while they are in bloom.

Related article: New Ways with Poinsettias