During the Christmas season, it seems poinsettias are everywhere. From shopping malls to restaurants to Christmas displays, the poinsettia has a special place in our holiday decorating. In its native Mexico, the flower is known as “The Flower of the Holy Night”, and many have associated the shape of this brilliant red plant with the Star of Bethlehem itself.

While poinsettias are not the easiest of houseplants to keep looking beautiful for long periods of time; with a little attention, you’ll be enjoying this seasonal plant into the new year.

• Find the perfect spot for your poinsettias – indirect sunlight for 6-8 hours a day is optimal. If you must put in a window or hallway with a lot of sunlight, consider a shade or sheer curtain. You definitely will want to avoid anyplace susceptible to cold drafts or warm blasts – so keep away from appliances or heat sources; or the front door if guests are coming and going.
• Optimal room temperatures are about 70 degrees. Poinsettias don’t do well in cold weather, and should never be in temperatures lower than 50 degrees. Therefore, even though the temptation is to use them to decorate front porches and yards, you may want to bring them in on colder days and at night.
• The poinsettia needs water when the soil feels dry. However, resist the urge to over-water, and do not allow the roots to sit in standing water. If the flower is in a decorative pot, remove before watering so as to allow the water to drain properly.

Finally, People’s Flowers would like to dispel a popular myth. The poinsettia has been rumored to be not only beautiful, but poisonous; this reputation, however, is unfounded. Although certainly the plants are not meant for human (or pets) to eat, and some may be allergic – the plant has been deemed non-toxic. Quite the opposite, actually; the poinsettia is among houseplants known to remove pollutants from indoor air. So decorate away! The poinsettia is safe, traditionally beautiful and helps air quality. You can purchase poinsettia plants, holiday floral arrangements and Christmas gifts online, or by stopping by People’s Flowers in Albuquerque.