A Few Points About Poinsettias

Poinsettias are the ultimate holiday plant, with their bright red and green leaves bringing cheer to any home. But why let the fun stop when the holidays are over? With the right care, you can keep your poinsettia thriving and enjoy its beauty year-round. And let's be real, who doesn't love a little bit of holiday cheer all year long?

But first, a little history lesson. The poinsettia is native to Mexico and Central America, and was introduced to the United States in the 1820s by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico. In Mexico, the poinsettia is known as the "Flor de Nochebuena," or Christmas Eve flower, and has been a traditional Christmas flower for centuries. We have Mr. Poinsett to thank for bringing this festive plant to our shores, and for giving us an excuse to keep the holiday spirit alive all year long.

Now, on to the care instructions. First things first, place your poinsettia in a sunny location, such as near a south-facing window. These plants prefer bright, indirect light, so avoid placing them in direct sunlight or in a location that is too dark. And no, your poinsettia does not want to sit on top of your TV (despite how much it might enjoy the drama of your favorite show).

Next up, watering. It's crucial to keep the soil moist, but be careful not to over-water your poinsettia. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again, and try not to get the leaves wet as this can lead to leaf drop (no one likes a naked poinsettia). And whatever you do, don't water it with eggnog. Your poinsettia will thank you.

In addition to regular watering, make sure to fertilize your poinsettia once a month with a balanced fertilizer. And, as with any living being, poinsettias appreciate a consistent environment. Avoid placing your plant near drafty windows or doors, and try to keep the temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

But what about after the holidays are over? Can you keep your poinsettia alive until next year's festivities? The answer is a resounding yes! To encourage your poinsettia to bloom again, reduce watering and fertilizing in the fall and place the plant in a cool, dark location for about 12 hours a day starting in October. This simulates the shorter days of winter and helps the plant enter its dormant period. In the spring, gradually increase watering and move the plant back to a sunny location.

Now that you know how to care for your poinsettia, it's time to go out and get one! And where better to do that than at Walden Floral Design? Our team of expert florists will help you choose the perfect poinsettia for your home, whether you want a classic red one or something a little more unique, like a white or pink poinsettia.

So don't let the holiday season be the only time you enjoy the beauty of a poinsettia. With the right care, these festive plants can bring joy to your home all year round. Head on down to Walden Floral and pick out the perfect poinsettia for your home. Your friends and family (and maybe even your coworkers) will thank you.

We think you get the Poin(t)!