Poinsettias are considered by many one of America’s favorite holiday plants. Whether you prefer the traditional red, white, pink, or any of the marbled and speckled varieties now available, you want to make sure you select a healthy plant and take steps to properly care for it so it thrives over the holidays and hopefully even longer.
Poinsettias are native to Mexico and Central America and don’t like cold weather. When you take your plants home, avoid placing them too close to windows or places where they will be exposed to a cold breeze. Additionally, keep them away from heater vents to avoid drying the leaves.
Pam Bennett, Extension Educator in Clark County and State Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator, has some additional hints for you to keep your poinsettia looking its best in this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g-Uq5krd2o
If you succeed and your plant continues to look its best, you may be tempted to try your luck in keeping it for next year's holiday season. Let's get through December, but be on the look-out for another BYGL post in early January if you want to give your green thumb a try and the steps needed throughout the year to get those colorful bracts back in the winter of 2020. Of course, even if you do a little experimenting at home, you can always purchase additional plants from our local Ohio greenhouse growers next season too.