Picking Poinsettias

Poinsettias now are available in a variety of colors and sparkles. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

Picking Poinsettias

Poinsettias are a favorite holiday decor and gift. So much so that each year in the US new hybrids appear based on the original red Mexican stock.

To pick the longest lasting poinsettias, it’s easy to focus on the colored leaves, called bracts. The poinsettia flowers are found in the center of those colored leaves usually in tiny bunches.

yellow poinsettia centers are the actual flowers. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

To select the longest-lasting poinsettias, select poinsettias with the yellow center flowers at the beginning of their blooming cycle.

this poinsettia will last the longest since center flowers are just opening. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

While you are doing your poinsettia buying, pick up a clear plant saucer that fits the pot.

Once the poinsettias arrive at their intended destination, poke holes through the decorative foil and place the saucer underneath.

Most poinsettias have short lives because they are over watered.

last year’s sparkle-covered poinsettia is reblooming this year in white. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

I prefer to remove the foil and place the poinsettia in a decorative basket with a clear plant saucer inside.

One more thought: Don’t pass up those poinsettias on sale. This poinsettia in photo is a poinsettia I purchased at the end of the holiday season on sale last year. It had been sprayed a coral color and now is showing it’s true colors!

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Charlotte