Poinsettias are the most popular holiday plant. Selection and care are two important aspects we need to look at. Poinsettias are the featured plant in retail garden centers, florist shops and grocery stores from mid-November through December. The popular plants are available in red, white, marble, pink and combinations of these colors.
While red poinsettias represent more than 70 percent of the market, other colors are increasing in popularity. Many new poinsettia varieties that appeal more to floral designers are now available.
When purchasing poinsettias for the holidays, consider the size and number of the colored leaves – which also are referred to as bracts. Bracts should be large and extend over the lower green leaves. Keep in mind the number and size of bracts usually dictate plant price. A premium-quality poinsettia usually has at least six bracts and should have more.
In addition to looking at the colored leaves or bracts, inspect the lower green leaves on poinsettias. These should have good appearance and extend over the rim of the pot. Drooping leaves on poinsettias may indicate problems, so be sure to check plants for insects – primarily white flies – underneath the lower leaves before purchasing.
The most important observation that can be made before purchasing a poinsettia is inspection of the green flower parts (cyathia) in the center of the bracts. These flower parts indicate display life. Plants having large cyathia that are showing yellow pollen and sap will have the least amount of display life left. Plants with smaller cyathia, little to no pollen and no sap will have the longest display life.
Poinsettias should easily last for four to six weeks in a home’s interior environment if proper care is provided. To prolong the beauty and health of poinsettias once they are in the home, proper care is essential.
Although poinsettias do not become acclimated to interior settings as well as most foliage plants, it is easy to be successful. Select a location that receives some sunlight. That means interior hallways are a poor location. Avoid exposing the plant to sudden temperature changes, so don't place the poinsettia near a ventilation system or in a drafty spot near a doorway. The ideal temperature for poinsettias is 70-75 degrees in the day and 62-65 at night.
As for watering, you should allow the soil surface to dry out thoroughly before watering the plant with warm water. Just the soil surface should be dry to the touch before watering again. Avoid water or mist on the colored bracts, and do not let the poinsettia stand in water for more than 30 minutes to an hour.
It's not easy to control the humidity in your house, but plants grow best where the humidity is greatest - usually in the kitchen. Sometimes you can help improve the humidity around a plant by putting the plant on a pebble-filled saucer with water just below the base of the pot, but not touching it.
For more information on these as well as other horticultural topics, call me at 985-446-1316 or e-mail me at bhfletcher@agcenter.lsu.edu. You can also check out the LSU AgCenter Web site at www.lsuagcenter.com.