December 5, 2001
Stillwater Gazette
Betsy Halden

Poinsettias

This year’s calendar gives us an extra week between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This allows us more time to enjoy holidays, including preparations, decorations, plants and greenery. Many people consider the poinsettia to be one of our traditional holiday plants. Local nurseries and garden stores are filled with bright, vibrant plants of a wide variety of colors and sizes. Each year we bring poinsettias into our homes where we enjoy their beauty. Many of us also want to review suggestions for selection and care and information about health concerns.

Selection
Poinsettias are available in red, pink, white, and gold. Variegated and marbled plants are also available. The colorful part of the poinsettia, commonly referred to as the plant’s flowers, are actually modified leaves or bracts. The true flowers are yellow to green, button-like objects located in the center of the bracts.

When selecting a poinsettia, choose a plant with dark green foliage and brightly colored bracts. The true flowers should be shedding little or no pollen. Avoid poinsettias with wilted foliage, broken stems, or few leaves. Check the plant for insects. No one wants to bring an insect infested plant into their home.

Care
Before venturing outside, place the poinsettia in a plant sleeve or carefully wrap it to prevent exposure to cold temperatures. Exposure to freezing temperatures, even for a brief moment, may cause the leaves to blacken and drop. As soon as you get home, unwrap the plant and place it near a sunny window or other well-lighted area. However, don’t let the plant touch the cold window pane. Also keep the poinsettia away from cold drafts or heat outlets. Poinsettias prefer temperatures between 60 and 70 F. They thrive in at least six hours per day of bright, natural, daylight. My poinsettias have done well in our sunny, south-facing kitchen window.

Determine water needs by the finger test. Check the potting soil daily with your finger. When the soil becomes dry to the touch, water the plant until the water begins to flow out the bottom of the pot. If the pot is wrapped in decorative foil, punch a hole in foil at the bottom of the pot so the water can drain. Place a saucer underneath the pot and discard the excess water which drains into the saucer. Many florists use molded plastic pot covers rather than foil. When watering plants in these pots, carefully remove the poinsettia from the pot covering, water the plant in the sink, then drop it back into the molded plant cover. Both over- and under- watering cause problems for poinsettias. Over watering will cause the lower leaves to turn yellow and drop. Dry plants wilt and also drop leaves prematurely.

If given good care, poinsettias should remain attractive for several weeks, well after the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays.

Health Concerns
A commonly held belief is that the poinsettia is poisonous. However, research conducted at The Ohio State University and other institutions has shown that the poinsettia is not poisonous. While the poinsettia is not poisonous, it is not intended for, nor is it appropriate for, human or animal consumption. We are advised to keep the plant out of reach of small children, animals, and pets.

One potential health problem associated with the poinsettia is dermatitis or an irritation to the skin. When a poinsettia stem is cut or broken, a milky say oozes from the wound. Some individuals may develop an allergic reaction to the milky sap, which results in a minor skin irritation.

“Care of Poinsettias” is the title of a helpful and informative Yard & Garden Brief published by the University of Minnesota Extension Service. You can find it at www.extension.umn.edu/projects/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h102poinsettia.html or call the Washington County Extension Service Office at 651.430. 6800.

If you are looking for an interesting and fun family activity for December consider a trip to the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. There are a number of Arboretum events for families and individuals, including the Arbor Lights programs. For more information go to www.arboretum.umn.edu/calendar/december.htm or call 952.443.1422.

Betsy Halden is a Master Gardener with the University of Minnesota Extension Service. University of Minnesota Extension Service materials were consulted in the preparation of this column. You can reach Betsy Halden at eahalden@comcast.net