Poinsettias are synonymous with Christmas and the number one holiday plant sales. However, with a little effort and care, Poinsettias can be enjoyed all year long.

Poinsettias are native to Mexico. A member of the Euphorbia family, they first arrived in the U.S. in the early 1800’s. They are named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, who was the Ambassador to Mexico in the 1800’s and credited with “discovering” the plants on a visit there. He’s better known as the founder of the Smithsonian Institution.

To maximize your success with these plants, make sure to get a good start. Look for the freshest Poinsettias you can find, with firm, deep green leaves and brightly colored bracts. The buds in the center of each bract (the actual flowers!) should be firm, yellow, and tightly clustered. Avoid varieties that have been sprayed with glitter or dyed unnatural colors such as blue or purple as these attempts at décor can adversely affect the plant’s health. If you must buy one wrapped in foil or plastic, remove it as soon as you get home.

At home, keep them in a warm, sunny location. Don’t expose them to cold or they will drop their leaves. Keep the soil well drained, moist but not saturated, and don’t ever let it dry out completely. Mist regularly.

After the holidays, wait until the bracts fade, prune down to 6” or so and reduce watering. Keep the plant dry and cool until you see new growth and then resume regular watering and begin fertilizing twice a month. If you want to bring back the color,  this requires a little effort. Starting in late fall, the plant will need at least 12 and preferably 14 hours of darkness a day. Place in a closet or put a box or bucket over it and keep warm. Once you see the color begin you can discontinue and enjoy!