Poinsettias: New twists on an old favorite

Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005

Click here to enlarge this photo Christopher Anderson⁄The Gazette Associate Professor John Bouwkamp gets a closer look at a poinsettia that has been genetically modified to produce random flecks of white and pink on its red leaves at the University of Maryland College Park greenhouse where researchers grow dozens of varieties of the traditional holiday plant.

At the University of Maryland, College Park’s Research Greenhouse, Faculty Research Associate Cathy Ku watches over a bevy of poinsettia beauty.

University of Maryland researchers start to experiment with the poinsettias in the second week of August, planting rooted cuttings of traditional and new types. Of course there are the red, white and pink varieties, but there are many other poinsettias that the public may not see as often. The colored part of the poinsettia that attracts us most is called the bract. The actual flowers comprise a small cluster in the center of a group of bracts.

One way to vary a poinsettia plant is to change the shape of the bracts. The Winter Rose variety resembles a rose, while the Strawberries ‘n’ Cream plant has pointy, holly-like bracts. Other plants have long, narrow bracts. The Kris Krinkle has bracts that are crinkly, as opposed to being smooth like a traditional poinsettia.

In the last few years, customers have been delighted to see poinsettias available in previously unheard of colors like blue or purple. While these do not appeal to her personally, Ku said she understands that some people ‘‘prefer something unusual” or just want a poinsettia to match their decor.

Those who sell these unique plants are looking for ways to make the poinsettia appeal to customers who do not celebrate Christmas, since the poinsettia is most often associated with that holiday. The unusual colors are the result of spray painting, but Ku points to natural varieties that have interesting hues. The research greenhouse has many shades of red such as velvety red, or red hints of orange or burgundy. There is also a range of pinks, from the lightest pink to something that is almost mauve. The Jingle Bell variety has splashes of pink and red, while Cinnamon Star had gold and pink tones. There is even a salmon-colored poinsettia. Unfortunately, members of the public cannot take these plants home. The research greenhouse does hold small sales for the campus community, but most of their plants are not available for purchase. To find some of the more unusual types of poinsettias, Ku recommends visiting garden centers and florists, since mass-market retailers may only carry the tried-and-true red and white plants.

Whether you choose a traditional poinsettia or opt from something a little different, taking proper care of it will keep in beautiful through the holiday season and beyond. Keep the plant away from direct cold or heat. ‘‘Do not place it near a window or door that you will keep opening and closing,” Ku said.

They do well at temperatures between 60 to 70 degrees. Poinsettias can stay in a dark room, but they do better when they get some sunlight.

The main reason poinsettias start to lose their luster is from too much or too little water.

‘‘More people kill plants by overwatering than anything else,” said John Bouwkamp, an associate professor at the University of Maryland.

Ku suggests watering your plant the first day you get it. Then be certain to drain off any standing water to avoid ‘‘wet feet.” If you leave too much standing water, the plant will suffocate with wet roots. Afterward, check the plant in three to four days. If it is dry, water it again. If not, wait a few more days. The plant may only need water every three to four days or every five to seven days, depending on the conditions in your home. Touching the soil to see how moist it is at these intervals will let you know.

If you take good care of your plant, Bouwkamp said it will ‘‘stay pretty” for several months.

Although it will lose its colorful tones, the plant can live well into the next year with proper care.

Can you really get a poinsettia to regain its colors once they have gone?

Ku says you can, if you are willing to put in the effort.

Starting at the end of September you need to leave the plant out in full light during that day, and then place it in the dark at night. This process must be repeated daily for six to eight weeks.