Spray on the heat with Hot Pepper Wax, and get rid of the bugs. Giving a houseplant for a gift is always appreciated, but please make sure the plants you select are healthy and bug free. Poinsettias are one of the most popular flowers to give at Christmastime. They are available in colors ranging from pink, to red, to white and any combination of those hues, according to our on-staff gardeners. A couple of insects to look out for are spider mites and whiteflies.
Whiteflies look like tiny white flies that take to the air when plants are moved or disturbed.
Spider mites may not be visible until you gently shake a leaf while holding a white piece of paper underneath. Spider mites resemble specs of dust that will move when touched. Soon, the leaves will take on a bronzed color. It is important to start spraying poinsettias with Hot Pepper Wax Insect Repellent at the first sign of whiteflies or spider mites. Our on-staff gardeners suggest you spray the entire plant, especially the undersides of the leaves, where the bugs can hide.