Yard and Garden: Making the most of holiday poinsettias

The poinsettia is one of the most popular potted flowers in the United States. It is likely that at least one of the colorful plants can be found in nearly every household and business during the December holiday season. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach tell how to select and care for poinsettias for a perfect holiday display. To have additional questions answered, contact the ISU Hortline at 515-294-3108 or hortline@iastate.edu.

What should I look for when purchasing a poinsettia?

Poinsettias are available in red, pink, white and gold. Variegated and marbled poinsettias are also available. The colorful part of the poinsettia, commonly referred to as the plant?s flowers, are actually modified leaves or bracts. The true flowers are yellow to green, button-like objects located in the center of the bracts.

When selecting a poinsettia, choose a plant with dark green foliage and brightly colored bracts. The true flowers should be shedding little or no pollen. Avoid poinsettias with wilted foliage, broken stems or few leaves. Also, check the plant for insects. Obviously, no one wants to bring an insect-infested poinsettia into the home.

How do I care for a poinsettia?

When purchasing a poinsettia, place the poinsettia in a plant sleeve before transporting the plant home. Exposure to freezing temperatures, even for a brief moment, may cause the leaves to blacken and drop. Once inside the home, remove the poinsettia from its sleeve and place it near a sunny window or other well-lit area. However, don?t let the plant touch the cold window pane. Also, keep the poinsettia away from cold drafts or heat outlets. Poinsettias prefer temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

The water needs of a poinsettia can be determined with your finger. Check the potting soil daily. When the soil surface becomes dry to the touch, water the plant until water begins to flow out the bottom of the pot. If the pot is wrapped in decorative foil, punch a hole in the foil at the bottom of the pot for water drainage and place a saucer underneath the pot. Discard the excess water which drains into the saucer. Today, most poinsettia growers and florists use molded plastic pot covers rather than foil. When watering these plants, carefully remove the poinsettia from the pot covering, water the plant in the sink, then drop it back into the molded pot cover. Improper watering will negatively impact the poinsettia?s health and appearance. Over-watering may cause yellowing of the lower leaves, leaf drop and the sudden death of the plant. Under-watering may cause curling of leaves and leaf drop.

If given good care, poinsettias should remain attractive for several weeks, well after the Christmas and New Year?s Day holidays.

Is the poinsettia poisonous?

The poinsettia has long been regarded as poisonous. However, research conducted at various institutions has shown the poinsettia is not poisonous. While the poinsettia is not poisonous, it is not intended for human or animal consumption. Individuals are still advised to keep the poinsettia out of the reach of small children and pets.

One potential health problem associated with the poinsettia is dermatitis or an irritation to the skin. When a poinsettia stem is cut or broken, milky sap oozes from the wound. Some individuals may develop a skin irritation if the milky sap comes in contact with their skin.