When it comes to the holiday season in North America, florists across the continent scramble to fill their stock of the most popular flower for Christmas, the poinsettia.

Pronounce it poin-SET-uh or more properly, poin-SET-ee-uh, the poinsettia is is undeniably the king of Christmas plants.

Choosing the Right One
Not all poinsettias are created equal. Because it’s often given as a gift, selecting the healthiest and most beautiful one is essential to garner the right impression. Healthy poinsettias are those with large bracts (that’s the red part - bet you thought it was the petals of the flower!) that are opened up and have very little to no tinge of green on the edges. Inspecting the bracts is actually more important the inspecting the flowers, which is that yellow bit in the middle. The leaves, usually in layers below the bracts, should be abundant and a lush green. Needless to say, avoid ones that are wilting, drooping or have breakage. For a thorough examination, the soil may also be checked. It should be slightly dry, and definitely not soggy since this can lead to root rot.

And don’t forget to look at the poinsettia from all angles! You don’t want to give something that looks great from one side but terrible on the other.

Poinsettias don’t enjoy the wind. So when transporting the plant, protect it from the harsh winter climate by carefully placing it in a roomy bag.

Care
If you’ve received a poinsettia, don’t think that it’s just good for the few weeks around Christmas. Proper care can prolong its beauty, allowing you to enjoy its presence for several Christmases.

Poinsettias aren’t demanding houseplants. They just need a little water when the soil feels dry, a comfortable room temperature, and protection from drafts and excessive heat. They’ll thrive in a spot that is exposed to indirect sunlight.