Article by the National Garden Bureau
Few plants are as iconic as the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). 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. Poinsettias 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 poinsettia 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
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,” say 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 or Pierce the Decorative Pot Cover 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, poinsettias 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.
Poinsettias 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.
Poinsettias Are NOT Poisonous to Dogs and Cats
Although many pet care sites still claim the poinsettia is toxic to pets, this too has been debunked. (Reference:Poinsettia’s Poisonous Reputation Persists, Despite Proof to the Contrary, CFAES at OSU.) Like other non-poisonous, but inedible plants, it can be a minor irritant to dogs and cats and can cause vomiting, drooling, and, rarely, diarrhea, but symptoms are self-limiting and generally don’t require medical treatment, according to the Pet Poison Helpline.
Can You Save Your Poinsettia for Next Year?
If you live in a warmer climate, you can plant your poinsettia outside. And you can theoretically rebloom it indoors too. 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 even I don’t try this at home,” adds Rebecca Siemonsma. “I just throw the plant away at the end of the season and buy a new the 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!
Article and photos offered by the National Garden Bureau, a non-profit organization promoting the pleasures of home gardening.
Thank you for the tips in this article. I’m going to try once again with Poinsettias. I have a funny story for you Larry. My husband was told by a friend that Poinsettias like coffee so unbeknownst to me my husband fed the plant coffee every morning until it developed a weird moldy growth on the soil. In the end we found out he gave it the remains of his cup of coffee which had cream and sugar in it and not the remains in the pot, which was black coffee. He said “well, no one told me it couldn’t have cream and sugar with its coffee!
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I think it is a disservice to say “throw the plant away at the end of the season”. They make a wonderful patio plant even though the red bracts are long gone. Also if you have the space, they can be planted into your garden once things are warm enough outside. THEN, when late fall comes around and the plants dies due to frost should one consider buying a replacement ….
I wouldn’t throw mine away either, but now you have the opinion of experts!