Keeping Your Holiday Poinsettia Looking Festive

Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a beautiful red poinsettia in bloom. Poinsettias have been a part of holiday celebrations ever since the Mexican flower was brought to the United States in 1925 by the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico and botanist, Joel Roberts Poinsett. Their beautiful crimson flowers and green leaves bear the colors of Christmas proudly in a way no other houseplant can. Their place is so ingrained in American life and Christmas celebration that they even have their own day to celebrate the flower and Poinsett’s beautiful contribution: December 12th is National Poinsettia Day in the United States. With attention to several easy details concerning their care, you can ensure your poinsettia retains its beauty through the holiday season and even beyond.

Poinsettias enjoy sunlight, but not full, direct exposure. Your poinsettia plant is more delicate and will experience its best growth if its required six hours of daily sun are diffused through a shade or curtain to curtail the wilting produced by direct sun exposure. Moist soil is essential, so while your plant is indoors, water it daily or whenever the soil is dry to the touch. After the holidays if the weather is warm enough and threat of frost has passed, your plant may be moved outdoors, its daily water may be administered with your hose reel, but while inside, a pitcher, spray bottle, or any receptacle will suffice. While indoors, you must control the poinsettia’s climate, 68-70 degrees is the most suitable range for your plant to flourish and bloom. Common houseplant fertilizer may be administered once a month (not while the plant is in bloom) to make sure the proper pH balance of the plant’s soil is maintained. Though your poinsettia might look fantastic perched on a mantle, this is to be avoided as excessive heat and alternately, cool drafts are harmful to its health. Proper drainage is essential for your plant, for sitting in standing water is extremely detrimental to its growth and overall health, as with most houseplants. Whether in its purchased container or transplanted within a more decorative one, drainage is of utmost importance.

By following these easy maintenance tips, your poinsettia can add its beauty to your holiday arrangements, holding onto its red flowers as long as possible. You and your holiday guests will appreciate and admire its lush reds and greens, helping your home’s decor instill the spirit of the holidays to all who enter!

About the author: Jon Bassfarm is an Internet content writer who enjoys researching and writing about many subjects including hose reel and landscaping.