Poinsettias wrapped in shiny foil brighten the holidays with red, creamy white, pink, or bicolor blooms.
Some even have flowers spray-painted in colors like blue and purple and glitter-bombed for some extra sparkle.
But the colorful parts of this plant aren’t flowers.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
They’re bracts (modified leaves).
The actual flowers are the small green or yellow parts in the center of the bracts.
In return, they’ll reward you with their festive colors well into the New Year.
Exposure to the Freezing Cold
Poinsettias are grown in greenhouses tocolor up in time for the holidays.
Then they’re shipped off to sell.
you could purchase them in greenhouse pots or in arrangements or planters.
“Whileoutside winter tempswill kill a poinsettia, indoor temperatures from 55F to 75F are fine.”
Keep plants away from cold drafts near doors and windows and heat from vents, radiators, and fireplaces.
“Keeping the plant in a bright location will do wondersto keep it going.”
Overwatering Your Poinsettia
Potswithout drainage holescan leave poinsettia roots sitting in water.
Forgetting to Water
This can beas harmful as overwatering, so don’t let your poinsettia dry out.
The soil should stay moist but not soggy.
Fertilizing at the Wrong Time
7.
That’s why it’s challenging to get your plant to bloom again.
Save yourself the stress of trying to keep your poinsettia alive and compost your tired plant after the holidays.
Then, treat yourself to a fresh poinsettia next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Overwatering your poinsettias most commonly leads to root rot.
Whiteflies are the most common pest that might harm your poinsettias.
However, mealybugs or gnats could also cause a problem.
