Poinsettia Care and Facts

Did you Know?

• Poinsettias are native to Mexico.....Feliz Navidad :)
• The Aztecs called the poinsettia Cuetlaxochitl.  During the 14th - 16th century the sap was used to control fevers and the bracts (modified leaves) were used to make a reddish dye.
•  Ninety percent of all poinsettias are exported from the United States.
• Some people may have skin irritation from the milky sap
• In nature, poinsettias are perennial flowering shrubs that can grow to ten feet tall---I would like to see that someday 
• Poinsettias were introduced into the United States in 1825 by Joel Poinsett

How to care for a Poinsettia 

The length of time your poinsettia will give you pleasure in your home is dependent on:  the maturity of the plant, when and where you buy it, and how you treat the plant. With care, poinsettias should retain their beauty for weeks and some varieties will stay attractive for months. Try to buy from a greenhouse or florist where they have been properly tended to.  Poinsettias at big box and grocery stores have generally been stressed out which will shorten their life. 

•  Place in indirect light. Six hours of light daily is ideal. Keep the plant from touching cold windows.
• Keep poinsettias away from warm or cold drafts from radiators, air registers or open doors and windows.
• Ideally poinsettias require daytime temperatures of 60 to 70°F and night time temperatures around 55°F. High temperatures will shorten the plant’s life. Move the plant to a cooler room at night, if possible.
• Check the soil daily. Be sure to punch holes in foil so water can drain into a saucer. Water when soil is dry. Allow water to drain into the saucer and discard excess water. Wilted plants will tend to drop bracts sooner.
• Fertilize the poinsettia if you keep it past the holiday season. Apply a houseplant fertilizer once a month. Do not fertilize when it is in bloom.

Enjoy your holiday Poinsettia   Merry Christmas!