Poinsettia will thrive with proper care
It is a good idea to either remove decorative foil from the bottom of gift plant pots or punch holes in the foil to allow water to drain properly. Standing water and moisture that can build up under a pot without a saucer can damage wood furniture surfaces.
Most healthy poinsettias have dark green leaves with even coloration, so it is best to avoid buying plants that have yellowing leaves, lots of brown tips, or brown edges as they are often stressed and won’t last on display as long. Check the flowers which are small and located in the center of the colored bracts to see how “fresh” the plant is. If the flowers are green or red-tipped and fresh looking, then the plant will hold color longer than if yellow pollen is covering the flowers or if they have turned brown. Then check the growing medium moisture, as the plants should not be dry enough to be wilting nor in a wet, saturated mix. The lighter weight the pots are, the drier they are—and the heavier the pots are, the wetter they are. It is also better to choose plants that have not been crowded together in the retail display.
Poinsettia plants will remain healthy and lush throughout the holidays with proper care. Poinsettias prefer lots of bright, indirect sunlight, so try to place them where they will get six hours of bright light. Keep them away from direct sun, areas with cool drafts, and heating vents since they are sensitive to temperature extremes. Daytime temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit will preserve and prolong the display of the colored bracts, though this is not always feasible in a home setting. Water the plants thoroughly when the growing medium is dry to the touch. Keep the medium evenly moist. If the medium is allowed to dry, the plants will wilt and lose leaves. However, a saturated growing medium can promote root rot and insect problems.
The popular Christmas poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima, has a reputation for being poisonous. If a child or pet samples a leaf, they will likely spit it out due to the terrible taste. It may cause mild stomach upset when leaves and stems are eaten. Poinsettias contain a milky latex sap that can cause a mild, short-lasting skin irritation. Some people will be more sensitive to this sap than others. The term “poisonous plants” is often associated with plants that may cause great harm or be fatal if ingested. Potential poisoning depends on the level of toxins contained in the plant and the amount consumed. Care should always be taken when plants of any type are in areas with children or pets. When in doubt, immediately contact a physician or poison control center.
• Tim Johnson is director of horticulture at Chicago Botanic Garden, chicagobotanic.org.