Poinsettias - "The Christmas Star"

Poinsettias

So, is it a flower or not?
Probably the most well-known Christmas flower, a poinsettia isn't really a "flower" at all.  And while some folks will tell you a poinsettia has colored leaves, that's not exactly right, either.  The part of a poinsettia that turns color is called a bract, and it forms at the tip of the stem just under the actual flowering part of the plant.  The actual flowers are very small and yellow. You'll find them at the very center of the bracts.

How to choose a good poinsettia
When you pick out your poinsettia, look for green and healthy leaves.  If the leaves are crooked or spotted, or if the bracts are crinkled, don't take it home.  It may have a leaf virus.

How do I keep a poinsettia and make it bloom again?
Most people discard their poinsettias once the flowering cycle is finished, but you can keep yours as a houseplant year round if you like.  Water about once a week rather than a little bit everyday. 
To help your poinsettia bloom again for Christmastime, start to manipulate it in the fall.  Leave your plant in natural light no more than 12 hours a day.  For about one month, cover the poinsettia with a black plastic bag from about 7pm until 7:30am, and it should start to develop color.

Are cheaper department store poinsettias just as good as fresh-from-the-greenhouse plants?
Let's be honest; if all you want is a pretty plant for a month that you plan to toss to the curb with the Christmas tree, then economy may be your best option.  
But for a beautiful, lush plant that will stay healthy and attractive for a longer display (and possibly kept for years), the controlled environment of a greenhouse is necessary.  All of the poinsettias sold at K&W Greenery in Janesville are grown at the K&W greenhouse in Janesville.  Our plants are carried from one indoor area to another until it's chosen by you and carefully wrapped for transport to your home.  Your vibrant Christmas flower is grown, raised, cared for, and sold by the same caring experts.  We wouldn't dream of doing any less.