Holiday decorations can feature poinsettias

Nothing ushers in the holidays quite like the rich, cheerful glow of poinsettias. Their bold color seems to warm the room instantly, even on the grayest December day.

What gives poinsettias their traditional look are colorful bracts, those brightly colored leaves that so many people mistake for flowers. The true blooms are actually tiny, golden buds tucked right at the center. When the bracts are full, the plant takes on that unmistakable holiday look.

If your home doesn’t already have poinsettias, go shopping now for one or more. To be happy with the plants you select, it helps to know what to look for.

Choose plants with firm, evenly colored bracts and healthy, deep-green foliage. If the yellow center buds are still tight and unopened, that’s a good indicator the plant is fresh and will last.

I recently went shopping at Vesely’s Nursery in Sumrall and found the Christmas spirit blooming from every corner.

Their nursery greenhouses have bracts in all shapes and sizes. Some were broad and smooth, with that bold, traditional look, while others were smaller and ruffled, adding texture and dimension.

I prefer the traditional broad, smooth-leaved poinsettias with their deep-red bracts and dark green leaves. You may like other styles, so keep shopping until you find what suits your style.

Vesely’s Nursery has perfected the art of growing these beloved holiday plants.

Their traditional varieties in velvety crimson and clean winter white capture everything people love about classic holiday décor. These colors never seem to go out of style, no matter how many new varieties appear each year.

When you bring your plants home, they thrive best when you copy their nursery growing conditions.

Place poinsettias in bright, indirect light, such as near a north- or east-facing window. Keep them away from cold drafts and heat sources like fireplaces or heater vents. Poinsettias prefer steady temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees. Sudden shifts can cause leaf drop.

Proper watering allows your poinsettias to thrive through the season.

Let the top inch of soil dry slightly before watering, and avoid the plant sitting in pooled water. If your poinsettia is wrapped in decorative foil, poke a few holes in the bottom or remove it altogether so excess water can drain.

If you enjoy keeping plants past Christmas, continue caring for them into spring and summer with bright light and a little fertilizer each month.