How to Decorate With Poinsettias

Poinsettias have long been popular Christmas decorations because of their bright red petals. You don't have to throw out these gorgeous plants after Christmas either. With care, you can decorate with poinsettias all year long. Here's how to do it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Choose poinsettias in colors of your choice. Poinsettias are now available in red, white, pink, purple, coral, and speckled or marbled mixtures of these colors.

2. Pick a poinsettia that looks fresh and full of foliage. The soil should stay moist but not wet.

3. Place the poinsettias in bright sunny areas, but not in direct sunlight. The temperature should remain around 70 degrees F and never dip below 50 degrees F. Though poinsettias are most popular in the winter, they need warm temperatures to survive.

4. Make poinsettias part of your decor by setting them around your home. They add color to dark areas and go well with holiday decorations.

5. Use poinsettias for centerpieces, accents on the mantel or end tables, in windowsills or in large containers on the floor.

6. Cut poinsettias from the pots to use in vases or wreaths. Insert the cut ends of the flowers in a florist pick with water before inserting them into a wreath.

Tips & Warnings

• Poinsettias were once thought to be poisonous. They are not poisonous unless consumed in very large amounts. Decorate with poinsettias without fear of poisoning your children or pets.
• Don't set poinsettias in drafty areas like leaky windows, doorways or near air vents.