Holiday Guide to Poinsettias

The Poinsettia has become the living symbol of Christmas. The traditional color, red, is still the most popular color, but in the past 10 years, many new colors have been introduced in shades of pink, white, coral, burgundy, marble, and speckled.
Select plants that are in full color with fully expanded bracts. The bracts, commonly thought of as the flower, are modified leaves that create the colorful parts of the poinsettia. The true flowers are the tightly clustered yellow and red cyathia in the center of the bracts. Look for plants with dense foliage to the soil line with strong, stiff stems and no signs of wilting. During the Christmas season provide them with the care instructions below and use the chart at the end for after the holidays.
Contrary to belief, Poinsettias are not poisonous. The Society of American Florists and Ohio State University conducted a scientific investigation disproving the “old wives tale” that poinsettias are harmful to your health. In fact, the Poisindex® Information Service states that over 500 leaves ingested by a 50-pound child would demonstrate no toxicity. Of course like most ornamental plants, the poinsettia was not intended for human consumption.

Light:
Bright indirect lighting is best, with at least six hours of natural light.

Water:
Water thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch. Do not allow plants to sit in standing water (punch holes into potcover for drainage).

Temperature:
When in flower, bloom color remains strongest when provided with temperatures between 68 to 70 degrees during the day and 60 degree nights. Avoid a location that may receive hot or cold drafts.

Fertilizer:
Do not fertilize your poinsettia while it is in bloom. They are finished growing at this point and fertilizing will only hasten bloom and shorten its longevity.

Christmas Poinsettia Calendar