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THE poinsettia is the most popular decorative plant at Christmas time, says Paul L. Smeal, Virginia Tech professor of horticulture. “Proper care of poinsettias in the home, apartment or office will keep them looking attractive for a long time,” said Smeal, an Extension floriculture and nursery production specialist.
When purchasing poinsettias, Smeal said, look for a compact plant with large, colorful bracts and dark green leaves from the bracts to the base of the plant. Bracts are the bright red, white, or pink leaves which surround the poinsettia’s true, small yellow flowers at the ends of the stems.
“Beware of those plants in which the true, yellow flowers have dropped out,” said Smeal. This is a sign of over-maturity, and the plant will not last long in the home. Plants with fresh yellow flowers in the center will last more than a month. Some of the newer poinsettia varieties will last even longer under proper care, said Smeal.
“After purchasing a poinsettia, be careful to protect the plant from bruising and chilling, if you are transporting it yourself,” said Smeal. “Sudden drops in temperature to 50 degrees Fahrenheit or below are likely to cause the green leaves to wilt and the red, pink or white bracts to drop.”
PROPER temperature, location
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