Over the years, plant breeders have brought us lots of wonderful new improvements on the original plant. You can now choose from some of the most incredible shades of red, pink, marbled, yellow and white. They have also developed plants that will bloom as early as November 1 and plants that are much more compact.

There are several misconceptions about this wonderful plant. First of all, POINSETTIAS ARE NOT POISONOUS! This folk tale has hounded poinsettias for almost 75 years. While these plants are not meant to be eaten, extensive studies have proven that they are not poisonous to humans or animals. Like most members of the Euphorbia clan, they do have a milky sap that can be irritating. Another misconception about poinsettias is that the red leaves are their flower. Actually, they are simply colored leaves called bracts and the insignificant yellow buds in the center of the colored bracts are the actual flowers.

Another misconception about poinsettias is that the red leaves are their flower. Actually, they are simply colored leaves called bracts and the insignificant yellow buds in the center of the colored bracts are the actual flowers.

To select a healthy, beautiful poinsettia, look for lots of dark green foliage, even down low. Choose plants that already have lots of color, since it won't develop much more color in your home unless you have lots and lots of light. The actual yellow flowers in the center of the colored bracts should be small and bright. Be sure to look the plant over for any signs of insects and avoid plants with spotting on the leaves.

How much water do they need?
Keep the soil evenly moist and do not allow water to stand in the saucer or the sleeve. Indoors, this might require watering 2 or 3 times a week. Decrease water after blooming.

Do they have any special temperature requirements?
Poinsettias prefer 60-70º once the color has developed. Be sure to protect them from even a hint of frost. Avoid placing poinsettias in drafty or hot areas such as air ducts and radiators.

Do poinsettias need much humidity?
They will profit from daily misting when kept in a warm room.

How much fertilizer do they need?
While they are blooming, feed poinsettias with a water soluble or liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, diluted according to directions. Decrease the fertilizer after blooming.

What type of soil do they prefer?
Poinsettias thrive in a peat-based potting soil such as Bachman's Exceloam.

Do poinsettias need to be repotted very often?
Poinsettias should stay in the container they came in throughout the blooming season. Growing outdoors, poinsettias should be repotted every 3-4 months.

Can I keep it and have it bloom again next season?
It can be done, but it isn't easy without greenhouse conditions. Triggering it into bloom again requires growing and pinching it at various stages as well as a precise cycle of moving it in and out of the dark in the fall to trigger the blooming.

Will they need any grooming?
Mist the plants occasionally to keep the leaves looking fresh. Avoid any leaf shine products (they brown the edges of the leaves). Pick off any yellowing leaves that may develop.

How are poinsettias propagated?
They propagate readily from rooted tip cuttings in mid- to late summer. Use a rooting hormone and a loose potting medium such as vermiculite. Mist frequently.

What caused some of the healthy-looking leaves and bracts to drop?
Occasionally poinsettias will go through this after a sudden, drastic change in environment.

The whole plant is drooping. Why?
This is usually caused by the plant being too cool or in a drafty location. You should also check to make sure it isn't dry. Move it where the temps are around 65-70º.

What causes some of the leaves to become twisted, puckered and/or sticky?
These symptoms are usually an indication of an insect problem. Examine the plant carefully, especially under the newest leaves, and treat if necessary with insecticidal soap or pyrethrins.

Sometimes a few leaves turn yellow and drop. What causes that to happen?
On a young plant, this is often caused by placing the plant where it is too hot and dry. Make sure the soil stays evenly moist and mist once or twice a day to increase humidity. With older plants, some of the lower leaves naturally drop.

Why do leaves shrivel and look dry?
This happens when poinsettias are kept too dry and the humidity is too low. In rare instances, these symptoms may be caused by gas fumes in the room.

What causes leaves to look pale and bracts to drop?
Too little light. Move the plant to a brighter location.

I had moldy looking patches on the leaves last season. Why?
This is due to a fungus, usually botrytis or powdery mildew. Since fungicides are preventatives, not treatments, they probably won't be effective. These types of diseases are fueled by high humidity and you can usually stop the progression of the fungus by lowering the humidity slightly and placing the plant in a well-ventilated (but not drafty) location.

Sometimes the color seems to fades in patches. What can I to to prevent this from happening?
The color on poinsettias naturally fades as the plant ages, but if the fading is in patches it is usually associated with over-watering. Always check that the plant needs water before giving it additional moisture and make sure the saucer or plant sleeve under the poinsettia isn't holding water.