FISHERSVILLE—Trees and flowers may be dormant during the cold winter months, but colorful plants like poinsettias can brighten up any space in your home.

Poinsettias have become as traditional as holly and mistletoe for the winter holiday season and make wonderful gifts. Native to Central America and Mexico, the poinsettia was introduced to the United States in 1830 by Joel Roberts Poinsett.

The brilliant red "petals" of the poinsettia are not flower petals at all but modified leaves called bracts, explained Mark Viette, a horticulturalist in Augusta County. These colorful bracts surround the true flowers, which are small and yellow. Recent hybridizing has produced a multitude of variations on the traditional red poinsettia.

Plants are now available in white, pink, peach, yellow, marbled or speckled. An abundance of dark, rich green foliage is a sign of good plant health. Choose plants with dense, plentiful foliage all the way down the stem, Viette suggested.

The poinsettia plant thrives on indirect, natural daylight. At least six hours of daily sun exposure is recommended, but be sure to avoid direct sunlight, as this can fade the bract color.

To prolong the bright color of the poinsettia bracts, daytime temperatures should not exceed 70 degrees. “Avoid placing the plants near drafts, excessive heat or the dry air from appliances, fireplaces or ventilating ducts,” Viette added.

Poinsettias require moderately moist soil, and should be watered enough to completely saturate the soil without allowing the plant to sit in standing water.

While it is not necessary to fertilize the poinsettia when it is in bloom, a balanced, all-purpose household plant fertilizer may help maintain rich, green foliage and promote new growth after the holidays.

To care for your poinsettia after the holidays, keep plants healthy and growing in a bright location. Cut them back to about 8 inches in late March, and put outside when night temperatures exceed 55˚F.

Media: Contact Sara Owens, VFBF communications, at 804-290-1133.