Keep your poinsettia in good shape

By Lillian Quaranta

OSU Ext. master gardener volunteer

I’ve learned many things as a master gardener volunteer. One of the most helpful is being able to keep my poinsettia alive throughout the holiday season. That’s because I feel more confident about my gardening skills and I impress any visitors during the holidays.

Here are some tips to keep yours in good shape too:

Choose a plant that has tight yellow bud clusters in its center (real flower) with crisp, brightly colored, undamaged bracts (red leaves we all think is the flower).

Make sure the plant you pick is not in a cold draft or near a hot air register in the store.

Wrap it with paper from the store to your house.

Choose a place in your house that has plenty of natural light – not direct sun – and cool air – not on or near any appliances that emit heat, such as a TV, refrigerator or furnace registers. They love 60-70 degrees during the day and about 55 degrees at night. Move the plant to a cooler spot at night when you can; it will last even longer.

Do not overwater it. That is the biggest mistake – especially if you leave the foil sleeve on and just keep watering every couple days. Test the soil moisture with your finger. Water only when the soil is dry, but before the plant begins to wilt. Remove the foil and place the plant in your sink or tub to soak up water for an hour or so. Drain water and leave the plant to dry a little. Then replace it into its plastic saucer.