Poinsettias are native Mexican plants. They love the holiday season because they are short-day plants that require long nights to launch their color change. The colorful bracts of these plants are leaves, not flowers. Red is the most common bract color. The flower buds are the red or green buttons in the center of the bracts that open to a small yellow flower.
Healthy poinsettias have dark green leaves below the bracts and foliage all the way to the base.
Consider these tips to keep your poinsettia healthy and bright. Protect the plants from freezing temperatures, especially when transporting them. Place them in a light-filled room away from drafts. They do best in rooms between 55 and 65 degrees at night and 65 to 70 degrees during the day. Water poinsettias when the soil is dry 2 to 3 inches down.