Poinsettias are among the most recognizable symbols of the holiday season. They’re so popular they account for about one-quarter of all flowering potted plant sales each year. There are more than 100 varieties in a wide range of colors, though red remains the favorite. California leads the nation in poinsettia production. 

The plant is named for Joel Robert Poinsett, an amateur botanist from South Carolina and the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, who introduced it to the U.S. in 1825. 

Native to Mexico, poinsettias naturally bloom in December as the days grow shorter. Unlike most flowering plants, we admire them not for their tiny yellow flowers but for their vibrant modified leaves, called bracts. In nature, these colorful bracts help attract pollinators to the plant’s modest central blooms. 

The National Poison Center in Atlanta and the American Medical Association have both cleared the plant of its oft-perceived reputation for being poisonous. Still, poinsettias aren’t edible — eating them can cause stomach irritation and discomfort. People sensitive to latex should handle them carefully, as the white sap that seeps from broken leaves or stems may cause mild skin irritation. It’s also mildly toxic for kids and pets. 

While many people treat poinsettias as disposable holiday décor, they can easily be kept alive and thriving well past the holiday season with proper care. 

5 tips to keep your poinsettia healthy and colorful through the holidays and beyond 

1. Give the plant 6-8 hours of indirect sunlight daily. 
2. When buying, check the small flowers at the center of the bracts. The best plants have tight yellow, white or green buds. If you see yellow pollen, the bracts won’t stay bright for long. 
3. Place the plant near a window but out of direct sun — about a foot away is ideal. Poinsettias thrive in temperatures in the 60s and can be damaged if exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees. 
4. Keep the soil evenly moist, but don’t overwater. Water when the soil feels dry or the pot feels light. Remove any decorative foil before watering, set the plant in a sink, water thoroughly and let it drain completely. Never let it sit in standing water. 
5. Poinsettias prefer a humid environment. Lightly misting the foliage can help preserve color and freshness. 

Cheryl Purvis is a Pinal County Master Gardener.