Poinsettias, poinsettias everywhere --
but which one should you bring home?
Look for dark green foliage down to the soil line and reject
those with yellow leaves. Pass on plants that are drooping,
wilted or crammed together on display.
Don't buy poinsettias that have been shelved in paper or
plastic sleeves; wrapped plants deteriorate more quickly.
Shun plants that have been displayed in a cold place or
near a door.
Examine the button-like true flowers at the center of the
colored bracts, which most people erroneously think of as
flower petals. The tiny true flowers should be tight and
green, or tipped in red. If they are covered with yellow
pollen -- a sign of full maturity -- part of the flower's
useful life is already over.
Poinsettias hate a chill, so be careful transporting them
when outdoor temperatures are below 50 degrees. They should
be protected with a plastic or paper sleeve, and ideally
moved in an already-warm vehicle. Even a few minutes of
frigid temperatures will damage the leaves and "flowers."
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