Poinsettias are fittingly jolly at Christmas time and a very popular plant for many -- 35 million potted ones are sold in the United States alone! But why not buy your favorite one and give it a cozy home all year round?
Native to Mexico, this plant has over 1oo varieties that boast multiple colors ranging from red, white, burgundy, and pink. Even the design of these magnificent plants can change from a solid color to a speckled look. The plant also comes in different sizes and shapes. Poinsettias are not only associated with Christmas, but it's also December's birth flower! The hunt for the perfect poinsettia will be easier for you once you see the varieties out there for the pickings!
Prestige Red Poinsettia
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This crimson red poinsettia--Euphorbia pulcherrima, has the largest bracts of all types. Bracts are often mistaken for flower petals but are in fact, modified leaves. The flowers of the poinsettias are called cyathia which are small yellow blooms found in the center of each poinsettia. This plant is often referred to as the lobster or flame-leaf flower due to its bold red color.
The crimson red color of this plant is an ideal centerpiece for your festive living room or even consider placing a few mini poinsettias above your mantelpiece and hung stockings. Santa might just like your arrangement enough to reward you with a present on Christmas morning!
Decorate with a gold bow and some garland wrapped around your pot and you're all set. This poinsettia is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit!
Princettia Hot Pink Poinsettia
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The lush pink poinsettia is a member of the Euphorbia pulcherrrima botanical family and unlike some other species, the bracts are small and curl under. You can find bracts in white, pink, or even marble colors.
The 'pretty in pink' poinsettia offers subtler colors compared to crimson red when it comes to your Christmas decorating. And pink pairs very well with the traditionally bold colors of red and green.
Jingle Bell Poinsettia
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These poinsettias are characterized by pinkish-white splotches and speckles. They nicely contrast the crimson red and resemble snowflakes on the leaves. They are slightly smaller in size than other Jingle-type poinsettias and can comfortably fit an 8 to 10-inch pot.
The contrast of colors in the bracts against the dark green foliage will surely give you a heart-warming and traditional Christmas feeling.
Plum Pudding Poinsettia
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This stunning plant with muted red hues gets its color from the skin layer. The underlying level below the epidermal is red, so the result is a soft plum shade. This color contrasts beautifully with its bright green foliage. Regardless of color, you should purchase a poinsettia when the color of the bracts is fully developed.
This shade of poinsettia suits an elegantly decorated home with shades of white and grey. You can always jazz things up a bit by placing silver or gold pine cones around your plant and light a few holiday pillar candles on the corners of your table.
Caring for Poinsettias
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By now you've probably seen poinsettias flooding the stores for the Christmas holiday. Yes there festive, but they also make great house guests. They're perennial plants and can reach 3 to 12 feet in height and 3 to 8 feet in spread. To keep them healthy and thriving there are some things to remember.
To successfully bloom in all its glory, plants need indirect to bright light but keep them away from direct sun. Poinsettias need 6 hours of filtered sunlight per day.
When watering, remember to aim around the base of the poinsettia, not the leaves. Keep the soil moderately moist and generously water your poinsettia once the soil surface is dry to the touch. Remember to wait for the excess water to seep out of the drainage holes of your pot and immediately remove the remaining water from your plate or saucer. Also, don't forget to look for water trapped in the decorative wrap around the plant. You can avoid this problem by poking holes in the shiny wrap for the water to flow through. If leaves begin to droop or drop off, chances are you're not watering them enough.
Poinsettias thrive in Zones 9 to 11 and their indoor temperature should be between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. or the plants' leaves will curl and go brown.
In addition to a proper care routine you should also be on the lookout for pests. Poinsettias may have problems with whiteflies, mealybugs, red spider mites, and scales. If you find an infestation, isolate your plant and treat it with an insecticidal soap.
Poinsettias and Safety
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Although not considered poisonous to pets and young children, the milky sap residue from the leaves if licked or ingested, causes some side effects such as diarrhea stomach, and vomiting. To be on the safe side, it's a good idea to keep poinsettias out of reach from curious pets and children.
For people with allergies to latex, touching the plant can cause a skin reaction, probably from the sticky white sap.
Choosing the Healthiest Poinsettia
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Choose a poinsettia that is fully mature and has completely colored bracts with little green around the edges. Look at your plant from all angles to make sure it has full foliage and is well-balanced. Make sure your plant has leaves that are sturdy and not drooping, wilting, or breaking.
If the plant has dark green foliage down a stiff stem to the soil line it's a positive sign that the plant is healthy. Finally, look for yellow flowers in the center of the plant that are partially open.
Pointing to the Right Poinsettia For You
Now that you have an idea of how beautiful and varied poinsettias can be at Christmas, it's time for you to choose which color and shade you want to go with to celebrate the holidays.
Will any of the above poinsettia varieties be a festive centerpiece for you this year? If you have any tips or tricks to share, please leave them in the comment field.
Happy poinsettia shopping!