There’s something so magical about bringing home a bright, festive poinsettia during the holiday season. It instantly adds warmth and colour to any room. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few simple tricks to help keep mine looking fresh all the way through the winter, and I’m sharing them with you here.
Whether you’re choosing your first poinsettia or trying to keep last year’s plant alive, these tips will help you get the most out of this seasonal beauty.
Choosing the Right Poinsettia
When picking out a poinsettia, I always look for plants that feel strong and full. You’ll want to avoid any with yellowing or spotted leaves. A quick tip, check the underside of the leaves for signs of insects before purchasing.
The bright red parts we all admire aren’t actually flowers at all. They’re called bracts, and the true flowers are the tiny yellow buds at the center. A healthy plant will still have those yellow flowers intact. Also, avoid any plant that’s been fully wrapped in plastic or paper for display. If a poinsettia stays sleeved for too long, the leaves can yellow and start to drop off.
Getting It Home Safely
Our garden centre always wraps poinsettias with care for the ride home, but they’re sensitive to the cold. I always remind customers to get them indoors quickly, exposure to chilly air for even a few minutes can cause major leaf drop.
As soon as you get home, remove the wrapping. Letting the plant breathe right away helps it adjust to its new environment and stay healthy.
Keeping Your Poinsettia Happy Indoors
If you want your poinsettia to thrive long past the holidays, here are a few things I always recommend:
• Keep it in a bright room with natural light, but away from direct sun
• Avoid placing it near cold drafts or heat sources
• Make sure pets and little hands can’t reach it
• Use a waterproof container or tray underneath to protect your furniture
• Water it well when the top of the soil feels dry. After about 10 minutes, pour out any leftover water in the saucer
• Try to keep the room below 22 degrees Celsius. The colour stays brighter longer in cooler rooms
With these simple steps, your poinsettia can easily last through late winter and still look beautiful.
Thinking About Reflowering Your Plant?
If you’re anything like me and find it hard to part with a perfectly good plant, you might want to try bringing it back into bloom next year. It takes some patience and planning, but it can be a fun little project for any plant lover. With the right conditions, poinsettias can reflower, bringing colour back into your home again next holiday season.
A Bit of Poinsettia History
The botanical name for poinsettia is Euphorbia pulcherrima. The plant made its way to North America thanks to Joel Robert Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, who brought it back to South Carolina in 1825.
Despite the old myths, poinsettias are not poisonous. They are considered non-toxic to humans and pets, though like any houseplant, they should still be kept out of reach of children and animals. Eating large quantities could still cause discomfort, so it’s best to enjoy their beauty without nibbling.
As one of Ontario’s “Approved Member” garden centres through Landscape Ontario, we take pride in offering quality plants and expert advice. If you have questions about your poinsettia or need help choosing the perfect one, we’re always here to help.
Bring a little cheer into your home this season with a poinsettia, and with just a little care, it will keep giving back with colour and charm long after the holidays.
