FOR BREaAKING tNEWS VIhSIT WWWo.QNS.COmM e DECEMBER 9, 2021 • THE QUEENS COURIER 41
Tips for making your poinsettia shine
through the season and beyond
Few plants are as iconic as the poinsettia.
Th e eye-catching blooms are a holiday
tradition around the world. But the
blooms aren’t a fl ower at all, they’re actually
the leaves, or bracts, of the plant.
Poinsettia are native to Central America,
and in 1825, those stunning red leaves
captured the attention of the United States
ambassador to Mexico. A century later,
the poinsettia was brought to market as a
Christmas season plant in the U.S.
Today, red is still the most popular color,
making up about 80% of all the poinsettias
grown. Breeders around the world are
developing new varieties that off er more
color choices for holiday décor. Shoppers
can choose from brilliant whites, deep
burgundy hues, sparkling pinks and a
number of other specialty colors.
“Breeders are also enhancing features
that make the plants more enjoyable for
everyone,” says Diane Blazek, executive
director of National Garden Bureau.
“Th ey’re developing varieties that bloom
earlier, have longer-lasting blooms and
unique bract shapes.” National Garden
Bureau talked with poinsettia experts to
get a few tips for choosing, displaying and
caring for this holiday plant.
Choosing your poinsettia
Th ere are a few things to look for when
choosing your poinsettia. “Make sure that
the small yellow fl owers in the center of
the bracts (called cyathia - you can use
that in your next cocktail party trivia!)
are fresh and not turning brown,” says
Matt Blanchard, product manager with
Syngenta Flowers. Poinsettias with withering
or missing center fl owers are past
their prime.
Next, be sure both the leaves and the
bracts look healthy. “Th e foliage can tell
you a lot about the health of your poinsettia,”
says Lisa Heredia, marketing and key
accounts for Danziger North America.
“Look at the lower foliage and make sure
the leaves are green and healthy. Check to
make sure the overall plant is well hydrated;
you don’t want to see any droopy
leaves.”
Don’t overwater
Experts agree overwatering is the most
common problem when it comes to poinsettia
care. “In the typical home, poinsettia
only needs water every 5-7 days,” says
Rebecca Siemonsma, North American
product manager for Dummen Orange.
“Pick up the pot and if it feels light, then
you want to water it.”
Th e decorative pot covers most varieties
are packaged in can add to the problem.
Th ey can hold too much water, something
poinsettias do not like. Experts recommend
punching holes in the bottom of
those covers and adding a saucer. Be sure
to empty the saucer so the plant is not
standing in excess water.
Pairing poinsettia
Beautiful all on their own, poinsettia
are also a natural for pairing with other
holiday plants. “During the holiday season
there is no better way to bring natural
color into your décor,” says Delilah
Onofrey, marketing director, Suntory
Flowers. “Mix them in dish gardens
with other greenery such as ferns, and
other foliage plants. Pair them with
other blooming plants such as cyclamen
and orchids. Or, have several of the
same color in decorative pots for a tablescape.”
Poinsettia are not poisonous
It is a common belief that poinsettia
plants are poisonous. But the fact is,
they’re not. An Ohio State University
study, conducted in 1971, debunked this
myth. Researchers found the plant is not
toxic, even in high doses.
Saving the plant
for next season
In most areas of the county, poinsettia
are considered houseplants. Th ey cannot
tolerate temperatures below 50-degrees.
If you live in a warmer, more tropical climate,
you can plant your poinsettia outside.
But, experts agree, it is tough to get
them to look as good as they do when you
purchase at a garden center. Th ey require
very detailed growing conditions. “I am
a poinsettia breeder, and I don’t even try
this at home,” adds Siemonsma. “I just
throw the plant away at the end of the season
and buy new next year.”
Th ere really is something for everyone
when it comes to poinsettia. “I love the
really warm festive feeling you get from
the bright beautiful poinsettias on dark
December days,” says Sirekit Mol, marketing
manager and global head of product
trade at Beekenkamp Plants. Which
one will you choose to brighten your holidays?
Visit NGB.org for some inspiration.
— Courtesy of BPT
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/NGB.org
