Nothing says Christmas the way a beautiful Poinsettia does.  And, never before are there so many different colours, shapes and sizes of this remarkable plant to chose from to compliment your decor.  Whether you decide on the traditional red or go for a funky spray-painted blue sparkled one - you care for them exactly the same way. 

Here are my quick tips on how to enjoy this beautiful plant from now until Christmas.  In fact, if you follow these steps,  you’ll have a good looking plant long after Christmas is over.

1.  The beautifully coloured bracts are not flower petals.  The flowers are at the centre of the bracts.  Look for plants with blooms that are closed or just starting to open.  These are the plants that will last the longest.

2.  Now that you’ve chosen your lovely Poinsettia, remember, it is a tropical - it must never get cold.  If you live in a cold climate, make sure the Poinsettia is wrapped well before you leave the store.  In fact, if you can warm your car up first - so much the better.  Do not leave it in the car while you do the rest of your shopping - it will freeze, look good for a day or two - and then all the leaves and colourful bracts will fall off.

3.  Poinsettias want to be the centre of attention - put it in the middle of a bright room away from any kind of draft.  Avoid window sills as well.

4.  Poinsettias like lots of water and need to be watered frequently.  Feel the top of the soil - it should be a little moist.  If it is dry, water well, but be sure it is not sitting in water if you have it double potted.  Water it through and then dump the excess water in the outside pot.

Follow these steps and you will have a beautiful houseplant to enjoy for the entire Christmas season.

Photos taken at Sheridan Nurseries

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