How To Prolong Poinsettia's Color

By Laurie Casey
The Morton Arboretum

Aside from evergreens, our cold Midwestern climate offers precious little color this time of year. If we want more, we must import it. Poinsettias, natives of Mexico and grown in greenhouses here in the US, are the “go-to” holiday houseplants. Their cheerful crimson offers a festive splash of color.

While we love them for their perky personalities, they can be a touch persnickety. After all, they are adapted to a sunny, humid climate. Our dry, dark homes are not ideal for them, says Doris Taylor, plant information specialist at The Morton Arboretum.

According to Taylor, there are simple measures to prolong a poinsettia’s life and vibrant color of the bracts, the flower-like leaves (the actual flowers look like tiny buds). First, place the plant in a bright location, but not in direct sun. Avoid heating vents, and don’t let the poinsettia touch the cold glass, especially poorly insulated windows. A sudden drop in temperature can cause leaf drop.

To raise humidity, group plants together or put the poinsettia on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Keep the soil well watered, but avoid overwatering. “The rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry,” said Taylor.

You can find the standard issue red poinsettia almost anywhere. It’s inexpensive and serves the purpose. There are varieties available at area garden centers and florists that can add a touch more personality to a centerpiece, holiday display or hostess gift. Mindy Clesen, president of Ron Clesen’s Ornamental Plants in Maple Park, IL, a wholesale greenhouse that supplies seasonal color to landscapers and garden centers, as well as The Morton Arboretum, suggests her five favorites.

Polly’s Pink™ has intense, hot pink bracts atop dark leaves. “Generally you can’t find this shade of deep pink in a poinsettia,” said Clesen. It grows a little more vigorously than most poinsettias.

Jester™ has a unique upright shape. “Its pointy leaves almost look like little elf ears,” said Clesen, “so it is very festive in its look and habit.” Jester comes in red, white, pink, marble (creamy white with a blush pink center) or jingle (red with white or pink specks).

Strawberries ‘N Cream™ is a compact plant that grows in six-inch pots or smaller, so it might work well as a table centerpiece. Like its namesake ice cream, the bracts are a creamy white mixed with dark pink. The bracts and dark green leaves are shaped like oak leaves.  

One of Clesen’s favorite poinsettias is Shimmer™ Surprise! Crisp, bold red bracts are set off by dark green leaves with white flecks. “It just seems to hold its color so nicely, even if you neglect it a little.”

Another favorite, Cinnamon Star™, sports large, full red bracts with a tinge of peachy pink at the center. “It looks like they’ve been sprinkled with cinnamon,” said Clesen. “If you were doing a vintage theme, this would be a nice one to work in with some white poinsettias or other flowers, such as Inneuphe graceful sandwort - DIAMOND FROST ®.”

Glad You Asked

Q. What’s the best way to transport a new poinsettia?
A. Enclose it in a bag to protect from cold temperatures. Ideally, warm up your car beforehand. Remove the bag soon after arriving at your destination.

Q. Why did my poinsettia wilt when I left it in the bag?
A. Poinsettias produce ethylene gas, which causes leaf drop when it’s enclosed with the plant for long. “We have found if you package a poinsettia too far in advance, it will droop like it needs water, yet the soil can be soaking wet. It’s hard for them to rebound after that,” said Clesen.

At the Arboretum
All aboard The Evergreen Express! Enjoy stories and poetry of the winter season on this trolley ride through the beautiful woods and landscapes of the Arboretum. Cocoa and cookies included. Now through January 2. Call (630) 968-0074 or visit www.mortonarb.org for dates, times and prices. Afterward, visit a large display of miniature trains, all gorgeously decorated amid a snow palace, in the Special Events Room. Free with Arboretum admission. 

Laurie Casey is a staff writer at The Morton Arboretum.