There are so many colorful poinsettia varieties in stores this holiday season. Some plants will not make it to the first of the year. What attracts you into buying the plant is the colorful bracts (modified leaves).

The “true” poinsettia flowers lie in the center of the bracts. If the yellow stamens are immature or bright yellow, the plant will look lovely through December and most of January. If the stamens appear brown or withered, the bract color(s) will soon fade and show symptoms of decline.

To preserve poinsettia life, give the plant a thorough watering weekly or sooner. Do not leave the plant roots sitting in a saucer or basin of water more than two hours. If the plant is wrapped in foil, it may trap the excess water at the bottom of the plant causing root rot. Punch holes through the foil for better pot drainage.

Set the plant in a well-lighted window in the room. For short term care, fertilizing your poinsettia is unnecessary. Unless you wish to save and grow your poinsettia outdoors next spring and summer, plan to discard it around Superbowl Sunday.

For additional information, review previously written articles on poinsettia care on this website.