How to Make Poinsettia Balls

Using new ways to display poinsettias, such as a poinsettia ball, adds a new twist to decorating.

Poinsettias, traditional potted plants with red, cream or variegated flowers, are a mainstay when it comes to holiday decorating. To change the way in which poinsettias are displayed, opt for a flower ball bouquet made entirely out of poinsettia blooms with a few leaves thrown in for filler. A poinsettia ball can be hung from doorways, rafters or even on the backs of chairs.

Things You'll Need

• Floral foam (ball shaped)
• Bucket or basin
• Water
• Poinsettias (whole plant or plants)
• Flower cutters
• Straight pins
• Ribbon or cord

Instructions

1. Soak the floral foam ball in water for one hour or until pliable enough to insert the stem of a poinsettia. Use one cut piece of poinsettia to test the foam ball. Soak for a longer period of time if the foam is not soft enough.

2. Treat the poinsettia blooms to help the flower last longer once cut. Cut the flower four inches below the bottom of the bloom. Seal shut the cut end of the stem by dipping the bottom only of the stem in boiling water for thirty seconds or waving a flame underneath the cut stem until seared shut. If using the flame method, you will know the stem has been sealed by the change in color at the base of the stem.

3. Push poinsettia blooms in to the floral foam ball one at a time. Continue adding flowers until the majority of the foam has been covered with poinsettias. Add poinsettia plant leaves for additional filler in small spaces and to give the poinsettia ball a more realistic appearance.

4. Cut a piece of coordinating ribbon or cord in to a length of twenty-four inches. Fold in half and tie the ends together. Insert straight pins through the tied portion of the cord or ribbon directly in to the poinsettia ball to create a loop for hanging.

Tips & Warnings

• Once cut, poinsettia blooms do not last very long, so craft the poinsettia ball the morning of the event for which you will be using the decoration.

• Use caution when dipping the stems into boiling water to avoid wilting the flower. Gently wrap the flower portion of the poinsettia stem with a soft cloth to help prevent steam from wilting the flower.

References

• Save on Crafts: Rose Ball Bouquet
• Perfect Wedding Day: Stunning Floral Pomander Ball Wedding Bouquets
• Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service; The Poinsettia; Michael N. Dana et al.