Avoid getting the sap in open cuts or in your eyes. Children at a high risk of allergic reactions include those with a history of asthma or chronic bronchitis and those who react violently to bee stings or fire ant bites. Eating the plant may cause the tongue to swell and thus impair breathing. Contact your veterinarian if your pet decides to have poinsettia salad for lunch and symptoms become apparent. If you still have concerns, don't avoid bringing poinsettias into your house, simply place them out of the reach of small children.
Poinsettias are actually a beautiful and long-lived flowering plant for indoor use.
Here are some tips for maximizing your poinsettia's life during the holiday season and beyond. When selecting a poinsettia, look for a plant with fresh, brightly colored bracts and small, yellow centers called cyathia. If the cyathia are falling off, the plant is already past its prime. Avoid drying and curling lower leaves that signal previous water stress. Plants should have strong branches.