Selecting and caring for a poinsettia is simple and easy.
A well-decorated Christmas tree in all its glory can’t steal the spotlight from the colorful poinsettia. This beloved plant is synonymous with Christmas. You don’t have to be an expert gardener to enjoy poinsettias. The basics of choosing and caring for these plants are so simple.
Choosing Your Poinsettia
Determine how much you wish to spend on this purchase. In this case, you can expect to get what you pay for. Premium quality plants bought from local nurseries or garden centers will usually last longer than a bargain-priced one from a big box store. If you just want a colorful plant that will last a couple of weeks, the inexpensive poinsettia will serve your needs.
Avoid buying those that are wrapped in some sort of plastic. Called sleeving, this can affect the keeping quality of the poinsettia. For the same reason, look for displays where these Christmas plants aren’t crowded together.
Start by deciding what color you want. Then, examine the plants with care. Look for ones with fully colored bracts. The color won’t get any brighter once you take your plant home. The bracts of some varieties are puckered.
Check the leaves of the plants as well as the bracts. Torn, damaged, or discolored foliage is undesirable.
Look for well shaped plants that are full and bushy. This applies whether you’re buying a single plant or a planter containing more than one poinsettia.
Caring for your Poinsettia
Proper care should start as soon as you make your purchase. On your way home, keep this holiday purchase in a roomy shopping bag or box to protect it from cold and drafts.
Once you’re home, choose a spot with indirect sun. If a window has direct sun, use a sheer curtain to filter the light.
Assuming you have a choice, provide the plant with a warm temperature somewhere between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. When deciding where to put your poinsettia, avoid areas that are drafty or overheated.
Watering should be done infrequently. Check the pot about every four to five days. The warmer the room, the quicker it will dry out. The plant will need watering when the top of the potting soil becomes dry.
If your poinsettia is displayed in a cache pot, remove this before you water the plant. Water thoroughly until the soil is moist. Drain carefully before placing the plant back in the cache pot. No fertilizer is needed unless you’re keeping the poinsettia after it quits blooming.
