Unopened cyanthia on this variegated poinsettia indicate the plant is young and healthy.

Poinsettias are everywhere! Offering a poinsettia as a gift brings holiday cheer to both giver and receiver.

Nurseries, garden centers, grocery stores and floral shops offer an endless variety of poinsettias. This year, many colors, sizes and shapes of poinsettias are available.

While native to Mexico, poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are commercially produced in the United States. The colored parts of the poinsettia are not the flowers but are bracts (modified leaves). The poinsettia flowers are the small, yellow cyanthia found in the center of the bracts.

Buy poinsettias that are well-watered and cared for with cyanthia that are tight and free of pollen. Bracts sprayed with paint or glitter may not last as long as those that are natural.Inspect the plant for insects by checking under the leaves. Peek into the foil wrapper and check the integrity of those leaves as well as the soil. After purchase, remove the plastic or foil pot cover (or punch drainage holes in it), and place a saucer under the plant. Remove any dead or dry leaves from the plant or the soil. Keep the poinsettia away from drafts and heating vents, and place them in bright, indirect light.While poinsettias are not poisonous, their leaves and sap can cause an allergic reaction in individuals with latex allergies. Wash your hands after handling broken stems or leaves. Ingesting poinsettia leaves or bracts can cause an upset stomach and vomiting in pets and children. Place poinsettias out of their reach.Care for poinsettias by providing consistent temperatures and moist soil, which should keep them hardy through the winter months. Discard poinsettias that lose their leaves or show signs of disease or insects.

In early summer, repot the poinsettia into a slightly larger container and place it outside in a shady location. Pinch the stems to encourage branching and fertilize regularly. Try forcing the poinsettia to bloom by keeping the plant in total darkness for at least 12 hours a day, beginning the first week in October through November. You may have a poinsettia blooming for the holidays!Penn State Extension offers detailed information on caring for poinsettias as well as how to force a poinsettia to rebloom at https://extension.psu.edu/poinsettias and https://extension.psu.edu/poinsettia-and-christmas-cactus-care.If you have questions, call the Master Gardener Garden Hotline at 724-287-4761, Ext. 7, or email the Master Gardeners at butlermg@psu.edu.<i>Lisa Marie Bernardo, Ph.D., RN, is a Penn State Master Gardener of Butler County.</i>

This bright pink poisettia's cyanthia are ready to bloom.

Poinsettias are available for purchase in grocery stores, nurseries and floral shops.