Poinsettias Are Popular in December Flower Arrangements
By: Barbara Radisavljevic
Tags: Poinsettia Care, Winter Flowers, Christmas Decorating, Poinsettias, Flower Arrangements

Poinsettias Are Popular for Decorating Outside

When I was growing up, we had a poinsettia plant near our back door. My mom didn’t like it. Maybe it was because of the sticky white sap that dripped when she cut the “flowers” off to bring them in for December flower arrangements. Some people believe the sap is poisonous. My mom said it was. Actually, it usually just irritates the skin.

Here on the California Central Coast, we can put poinsettias and sunflowers together outside at the same time, as long as there is no frost. I shot this scene in December one year as I was walking my neighborhood.

Poinsettias and Sunflowers Together in Paso Robles yard, December 2014, © Barbara Radisavljevic

People in frost-free zones can plant the poinsettia for winter color in their gardens. Paso Robles is not frost-free. That’s why people keep their poinsettias in pots here. Portable plants can be moved to where it’s warmer if necessary.

Many Motels and Hotels Use Poinsettias for Decorating During the Holidays

Poinsettia Arrangement in Best Western Motel Lobby, © Barbara Radisavljevic

We often used to visit family and friends in Southern California for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. We usually stayed at a motel in either Thousand Oaks or Orange County, or both. We saw this poinsettia plant on a table in a public area at the Best Western Motel in Thousand Oaks.

This photo clearly shows the parts of the plant. It has evergreen leaves. Red bracts surround the small yellow true flowers. It appears most businesses don’t want to mess with the sticky sap anymore than my mother did. They use potted plants to do their decorating.

Many people give potted poinsettias as gifts. Whether you receive one or buy one to decorate, you may wonder how to care for it. Poinsettias like sunshine, so if they are indoors, make sure they sit by a sunny window. Try to keep the temperature in the room from fluctuating too much. Although these plants like moist soil, don’t let water accumulate in the bottom of the pot’s saucer or the plants may get root rot. Your plants will appreciate it if you remove the decorative foil as soon as the holiday season has passed.

After the red bracts and flowers begin to fall, it’s time to prepare your plant for storage if you want to keep it. Prune stems back to two buds and decrease the amount of water you give the plant. It won’t be as thirsty as it was. Give it just enough water to keep it from drying out. Store it at a moderate temperature that is comfortable for you until late spring when all danger of frost is past. This video will give you some more information on how to care for it inside.

When the weather is warm enough again in late spring, you can safely set the plants outside in the sun. You may want to let them adjust by only leaving them out for a few hours a day and gradually increasing the time until they have acclimated to their new setting. Those who live in frost-free areas may be able to safely plant their poinsettias in the garden against a south wall to keep them warm and to protect them from strong winds. For more detailed information on keeping these plants alive after the holiday season, please read How to Care for Poinsettias, published by Better Homes and Gardens.

San Luis Bay Inn In Avila Beach Decorates with Poinsettias

Author Photo

I took these photos when we were visiting a friend who was vacationing at the San Luis Bay Inn one December. This arrangement was in the lobby. Do you notice the white poinsettias in this display? Poinsettias now come in a variety of colors.

I thought this arrangement was particularly striking.

Poinsettia Arrangement in San Luis Bay Inn Lobby, December 2012, © Barbara Radisavljevic

Do you like poinsettias? Do you grow them? Do you decorate with them? Feel free to share your experiences with poinsettias in the comments.