How to Choose the Right Poinsettia

• Select poinsettias with strong stems, and no signs breakage or wilting. Look for plants with and abundance of healthy, green foliage.
• Bracts should be thoroughly colored with no green edges around the bract edges.
• The presence of tight yellow cyathia (cluster of flowers) in the center of the bracts is an indication that a poinsettia is fresh. Ideally, there shouldn’t be too much pollen present on the cyathia.
• Examine the poinsettia’s soil; if the soil appears wet or waterlogged yet the poinsettia is wilted it may be an indication of an irreversible root rotting disease.
• When transporting your poinsettia protect it from temperatures below 50º F. Placing your poinsettia in a large, roomy shopping bag will protect the plant from damaging wind and cold.