Approximately 70 million poinsettias are sold in the United States each year, making them one of the best-selling potted plants in the country.
Caring for poinsettias is not that difficult, but you need to understand some simple needs of poinsettias.
With proper care, poinsettias can be saved and bloom again every year. Here’s how to foster the health of your poinsettia plant, especially after the holidays.
How to choose the perfect poinsettia
By choosing healthy plants, you greatly increase your chances of growing a beautiful-looking poinsettia.
Plants with complete, undamaged, colored leaves (also called bracts) and rich, dark green foliage give the best results. According to Colorado State University, the longest-lasting plants are those with tightly closed, pollen-free flowers.
How to care for poinsettias during the holidays
With proper care, poinsettias can stay vibrant for several months. According to the University of Florida, poinsettias can maintain their color until March if the plants are not exposed to freezing temperatures.
To preserve your poinsettia’s color, you should keep it away from high-traffic areas to protect its delicate foliage. Try to keep it away from drafts, cold windows, heating vents, and fireplaces. They prefer temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
With proper care, poinsettias will continue to grow well into January and beyond. With consistent watering, indirect lighting, and stable temperature conditions, they can stay alive for months and even longer.
How the poinsettia became a symbol of the holiday
The Aztecs of Mexico were the first to cultivate poinsettias. This woody shrub or small tree is native to tropical regions of southern Mexico and Central America.
The brightly colored poinsettia was introduced to the United States in 1828 thanks to Joel Robert Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, who brought the plant back to his native South Carolina and has since become an iconic part of seasonal decor.
Are poinsettias toxic to pets?
This plant may be mildly toxic to pets. According to the American Kennel Club, the dangers of these plants rarely have fatal or serious consequences. Poinsettia sap contains chemicals similar to detergents. Ingestion of large amounts of sap can cause vomiting, drooling, and possibly diarrhea. Poinsettias have low toxicity levels.
The plant may have gained notoriety in 1919, when the child of an Army officer reportedly died after eating part of a poinsettia, according to Harvard Health Publishing. It is unknown whether plants are the cause.
Sources Harvard Health Publishing, U.S. Botanical Garden, Gardeners.com, Oklahoma State University Extension, Michigan State University, Geological Society of America
Part of this article previously published on December 11, 2024
