Poinsettias are a beautiful way to celebrate the Christmas Season. They are members of the Euphorbiaceous family and are native to Mexico. Many new varieties of Poinsettias have been developed, providing an array of colorful alternatives to the traditional red-bracted poinsettia.

Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) as we see them today are somewhat different from the plant that is native to Mexico. Joel R. Poinsett, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, saw the plant and introduced it to the United States. Horticulturist William Prescott named the plant in Poinsett's honor. The Ecke family of California started producing this plant in their greenhouse and bred it into the showy Christmas plant we all know.

Poinsettias may have red, white or pink bracts. The colorful bracts are not flowers, but modified leaves. The flowers are in the center of the bracts. However, it is for the bracts that people buy poinsettias. The red color varies from a deep, velvety burgundy to a lighter scarlet. The pink varieties may be anywhere from carnation pink to fuchsia, while white poinsettias are usually more of a rich cream, often with a green or pink tinge.

For beautiful poinsettias that will last the entire Christmas season, a person should look for a plant that has deep green foliage, and is full and attractive from every side. The bracts should be fully colored, with no green at the edges. Plants should be perky, not wilting or droopy, with no yellowed or fallen leaves. To keep the colored bracts beautiful for a while, the owner should place the plant in a sunny window, but should not allow the leaves or bracts to touch the cold windowpane. The ideal daytime temperatures for poinsettias range from 60 to 70°F (16-21°C), without keeping the plant too warm or too cold.

Poinsettias require plenty of bright, indirect light for best performance. Upon receipt, remove the shipping sleeve and place the plant in bright – indirect light.

Keep your Poinsettia most to the touch, but not soppy wet. I remember my Mom use to say “poinsettias don’t like their feet wet!” So I am reminded that poinsettias like a lot of little waterings not a few big ones.

Poinsettias are non-toxic. Our hybridizers have made sure that poinsettias are safe in your home or office.

Your local florist can be a great source of information on how to take care of your Poinsettia - all you have to do is call or stop at your flower shop. Satisfaction is only a purchase away.

Poinsettia’s make great gifts for the holidays. Keep your plant out of the sun and away from drafts – and don’t place them on a heat producing appliance.

By Pat Gustaf, AAF, SDCF
Gustaf's Greenery, Inc.