• Poinsettia, the Christmas Flower, has spread in popularity over the years through the introduction of large flowered, long lasting varieties and colors that range from familiar red to white, pastel yellow, pink and vibrant bi-colors.
• The colorful part of the poinsettia is actually a modified leaf called a bract. This is why they retain their brilliant color indoors for many weeks. The actual flowers are the tiny yellow centers.
• Place near a sunny window. Poinsettias will appreciate as much direct sunlight as you can provide.
• Maintain temperatures above 60° F for best results. Protect from cold drafts from windows or doors that can injure the leaves and cause premature leaf drop. Also, do not allow the leaves or flowers to touch cold window panes.
• Poinsettias were introduced into the U.S by Joel Robert Poinsett, first U.S. ambassador to Mexico who obtained plants from the wilds of southern Mexico.
• The poinsettia is a subtropical plant that will likely perish if the night-time temperature falls below 50°F, so it is not suitable for planting in the ground in cooler climates. In most areas it is treated as a houseplant and usually discarded at the end of the holiday season. However, some enjoy growing indoors and getting it to re-bloom the next year. See Re-blooming instructions.

Uses

Christmas Gift, Decoration

Attributes

• Long lasting colorful foliage
• Great for gift giving
• Can be used as cut flowers
• Native to Mexico

• Water the plant whenever the surface feels dry to the touch. Be sure to take the plant to the sink and water thoroughly until it drains out the bottom of the pot.
• Place a saucer under your plant to protect furniture and other surfaces from water stains. Lightweight clear plastic saucers work the best. Never let the plant sit in water by emptying excess water if it collects.
• If your home tends to be dry and your poinsettia is in direct light you will need to check for water daily. Wilting from lack of water is a common cause of leaf drop.

• You can leave the poinsettia in its current pot for Christmas.
• If planting multiple poinsettias together in a decorative pot be sure to use a good potting soil and provide a container with good drainage.
• When placing plants in the pot, do not plant them any deeper than they were growing in their original container.
• Tamp down the soil around the roots and water thoroughly to remove any air pockets.

• Fertilize your poinsettia if you keep it past the holiday season. Apply a houseplant fertilizer once a month. Do not fertilize when it is in bloom.

• With proper care Poinsettias can re-bloom the following Christmas, but a year-long schedule of care must be observed for good results.
• Around late March or early April, cut your poinsettia back to about 6” in height. Continue a regular watering program and fertilize your plant with a houseplant fertilizer according to directions.
• After all chance of frost has passed and night temperatures average 55°F or above, place your plant outdoors in indirect sun. Continue regular watering and fertilization.
• During the summer prune to keep plants bushy and compact. But do not prune after September 1st.
• In May or June transplant your poinsettia into a larger container. Select a pot no more than 4” inches larger than the original pot. Use a houseplant potting soil and make sure the container has good drainage.
• The poinsettia is a photoperiodic plant, meaning that it sets bud and produces flowers as the fall nights lengthen. Beginning October 1st and through Thanksgiving keep plants in total darkness for 14-15 continuous hours each night. For example between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. Accomplish this by moving the plants to a totally dark room, or by covering them overnight with a large box. Any light exposure during this blackout time will delay flowering.
• During October, November and early December, poinsettias prefer 6 - 8 hours of bright sunlight daily, with night temperatures between 60 - 70° F. Temperatures outside of this range during this time can delay flowering which should occur in November or December.