Ask The Experts about Poinsettias!
Few plants are as iconic as the poinsettia. The eye-catching blooms are a holiday tradition around the world. But the blooms aren’t a flower at all, they’re actually the leaves, or bracts, of the plant. Poinsettia are native to Central America, and in 1825, those stunning red leaves captured the attention of the United States ambassador to Mexico. A century later, the poinsettia was brought to market as a Christmas season plant in the U.S.
Today, red is still the most popular color, making up about 80% of all the poinsettias grown. Breeders around the world are developing new varieties that offer more color choices for holiday décor. Shoppers can choose from brilliant whites, deep burgundy hues, sparkling pinks, and a number of other specialty colors.
“Breeders are also enhancing features that make the plants more enjoyable for everyone,” says Diane Blazek, executive director of National Garden Bureau. “They’re developing varieties that bloom earlier, have longer-lasting blooms, and unique bract shapes.” National Garden Bureau talked with member poinsettia experts to get a few tips for choosing, displaying, and caring for this holiday plant.
How To Choose Your Poinsettia
Make sure the small yellow flowers (cyathia) in the center of the colored bracts are fresh.
Look for colored bracts that are healthy and full.
Make sure the lower leaves are green and there are no droopy leaves.
There are a few things to look for when choosing your poinsettia. “Make sure that the small yellow flowers in the center of the bracts (called cyathia – you can use that in your next cocktail party trivia!) are fresh and not turning brown,” says Karl Trellinger and Matt Blanchard, product managers with Syngenta Flowers. Poinsettias with withering or missing center flowers are past their prime.
Next, be sure both the leaves and the bracts look healthy. “The foliage can tell you a lot about the health of your poinsettia,” says Lisa Heredia, marketing and key accounts for Danziger North America. “Look at the lower foliage and make sure the leaves are green and healthy. Check to make sure the overall plant is well hydrated, you don’t want to see any droopy leaves.”
Don’t Overwater
Experts agree overwatering is the most common problem when it comes to poinsettia care. “In the typical home, poinsettia only needs water every 5-7 days,” says Rebecca Siemonsma, North American product manager for Dummen Orange. “Pick up the pot and if it feels light, then you want to water it.”
Remove the Decorative Pot before Watering your Poinsettia
The decorative pot covers most poinsettia varieties are packaged in can add to the problem. They can hold too much water, something poinsettias do not like. Experts recommend punching holes in the bottom of those covers and adding a saucer. Be sure to empty the saucer so the plant is not standing in excess water.
Bringing Natural Color Indoors with Poinsettias
Beautiful all on their own, poinsettia are also a natural for pairing with other holiday plants. “During the holiday season there is no better way to bring natural color into your décor,” says Delilah Onofrey, marketing director, Suntory Flowers. “Mix them in dish gardens with other greenery such as ferns, and other foliage plants. Pair them with other blooming plants such as cyclamen and orchids. Or, have several of the same color in decorative pots for a tablescape.”
“Pairing newer silver and variegated foliage plants always look beautiful with red poinsettias,” mentioned Gary Vollmer, product manager, Selecta One.
Poinsettia Plants are NOT Poisonous
It is a common belief that poinsettia plants are poisonous. But the fact is, they’re NOT. An Ohio State University study, conducted in 1971, debunked this myth. Researchers found the plant is not toxic, even in high doses. The POISINDEX® Information Service, the primary resource used by most poison control centers, states that a 50-pound child would have to eat more than 500 poinsettia bracts to surpass experimental doses. Based on the rodent tests, accepted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the commission denied a 1975 petition filed by a New York citizen demanding that poinsettia plants carry caution labels that indicate they are poisonous.
Poinsettias are NOT poisonous to Dogs and Cats
Most veterinary medicine websites state that poinsettias can be mildly toxic to dogs and cats. Washington State University says, “Poinsettias have received bad publicity in the past. They do contain a milky sap that can irritate the mouth, but symptoms are usually mild if they develop.”
Can you save your Poinsettia for next year?
If you live in a warmer climate, you can plant your poinsettia outside. But, experts agree, it is tough to get them to look as good as they do when you purchase them for the holidays at a garden center. They require very detailed growing conditions. “I am a poinsettia breeder, and I don’t even try this at home,” adds Rebecca Siemonsma. “I just throw the plant away at the end of the season and buy new next year.”
We asked our Expert Poinsettia Breeder Members – What their favorite thing about Poinsettias is…
There really is something for Everyone when it comes to Poinsettias.
What is Your Favorite Thing about Poinsettias?
“This post is provided as an educational/inspirational service of the National Garden Bureau and our members. Please credit and link to National Garden Bureau and author member when using all or parts of this article.”
7 Comments. Leave new
What a shame to throw away Poinsettas after the winter holidays! After they start dropping their leaves, prune them back to a few large stems and place them in a sunny window. By spring, they will be a beautiful green plant that you can pot outside after the last frost. Then, enjoy them all summer until the first frost in fall.
True, poinsettias will be beautiful green plants in the summer but getting the bracts to color up beautifully for the winter is the tricky part.
Years ago in CA. bay area I planted one behind my folks house. A friend showed me how to trim it and pack the cut branch with mud. That plant bloomed for many years and grew quite tall.
I have a poinsettia from last Christmas. Is there any way to get their leaves to turn red again?
Unfortunately, you are too late for this Christmas. The poinsettia is a short-day plant or “photoperiodcally” induced. Short-day plants grow vegetatively during the long days of summer and produce flowers when days become shorter in fall. To get the poinsettia to flower for Christmas, the plant must receive complete darkness from 5:00 pm to 8:00 am daily from early October until the bracts develop good color, usually early December. Protect the plant from light by placing it in a closet or by covering it with a box.
I have 3 Pointsetta’s from 5 years ago given to me by people who are no longer with us. So these plants are very special to me. I just water, stir up the soil here and there and let them soak up the sun.. They keep growing and make me smile when I see them. ENJOY!
Then the plants are doing exactly what they are supposed to do – make you smile! Enjoy your plants.