Poinsettias spell holiday spirit like no other plant. With vibrant seasonal colors, they are one of the easiest ways to decorate your home during the Christmas season. However, to get the best specimens, you need to consider many things, and to help you out, we bring you a guide on How to Buy the Best Poinsettias!
Fun Fact: According to a 2015 report published on The University of Tennessee website, poinsettias are the top-selling potted flowering plants in the U.S! In economic terms, that’s $237 million out of a total of $781 million in sales of all flowering potted plants!
Want to know how to make Poinsettias red? Click here
How to Buy Best Poinsettias?
1. Look for Dark and Dense Green Foliage
Do not look for just the more colored leaves while buying poinsettias, and pay more attention to the green color of the lower foliage. It indicates that the plant has a healthy root system and is young—which will help it turn red later!
Fun Fact: December 12 is celebrated as National Poinsettia Day! The day marks the death anniversary of Joel Roberts Poinsett, who brought poinsettia to the United States from Mexico.
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2. Check the Plant for Tightly Clustered Buds
The more unopened buds the plant has at the time of buying, the more it will have the chance to last long through the entire holiday and the winter season after you get it home.
3. Look for Vivid Leaves Surrounding the Buds
Another crucial factor that you need to look for is the small, colorful leaves surrounding the tender yellow buds. Only buy that plant, which has a perked-up vivid red hue (or whatever color you’re buying) in the small leaves.
If the leaves around the buds are yellow, they won’t achieve a red hue during the holidays.
Fun Fact: California tops the charts regarding the most poinsettia-producing state.
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4. Tiny Yellow Grains on the Leaves is a Big No-No
If the yellow buds have already started to shed pollen (indicating it has already bloomed), then the plant will be of no use to you because it means the colorful bracts will fall soon.
It is a good idea to gently shake the plant and look for tiny yellow pollen on the leaves. If you spot them, leave that plant alone!
5. Do Not Buy Plants with Yellow, Sagging, or Faded Leaves
The leaves must look bright, green, healthy, and full of color. Yellowing foliage indicates that the plant is not in good health. The same goes for sagging leaves with a green-white hue and discolored bracts.
Check out our article on growing Poinsettias from cuttings here
6. Look for Any Signs of Insects and Diseases
Last but not least, look for any signs of insects and diseases both on and undersides of leaves and buds. If you spot them, do not buy that plant as they spread at a rapid pace and may infect the entire plant before you can realize.
Few Points to Consider
- Avoid buying poinsettias with soft and mushy leaves as it might be due to overwatering and negligence.
- Make the plant accustomed to its new location by gradually exposing it to bright, indirect light before putting it in more sun.
- After buying the plant, cover it with a plastic bag or paper wrap while transporting it home from the garden shop. This will keep it protected, minimizing the ill effects of temperature difference shock.
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And, that’s it! If you believe the article is informative, please don’t mind sharing it. It helps us!
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