Poinsettias are native to Mexico but can be found in most supermarkets, petrol stations, and garden centres in the UK at this time of year.
While the plants are most known for their red and green foliage, these are not flowers but are known as bracts.
However, the plant does produce flowers too which are usually yellow found at the centre of the bracts.
Red and green are the most common poinsettias in the UK, but there are more than 100 other colours, including white, pink, and gold.
Poinsettias aren’t the only plants people have in their homes at this time of year to celebrate the festive season. Christmas cacti and amaryllis are popular options, too.
Greg Basire, a key accounts director of plant displays at the Nurture Group, has shared his tips for looking after festive plants so they look their best on the big day and beyond.
Greg told Express.co.uk that keeping poinsettias away from certain areas of your home will ensure they look their best for longer.
He explained: “Did you know that your indoor houseplant doesn’t just look nice, studies have shown that it makes you feel happier, improves humidity in the air and can reduce noise?
“To ensure your Christmas flowering houseplants look their best, make sure poinsettias are kept away from drafty doorways and radiators, and water when the soil is dry to touch.”
According to the houseplant expert, amaryllis plants need regular watering and then need to be cut back once they’ve flowered so they can die back.
Unlike poinsettias and amaryllis, Christmas cacti are “easier to please” and require houseplant owners to keep the soil lightly moist and positioned in natural light.
When it comes to re-potting poinsettias and amaryllis, Greg recommended using a specific potting medium.
He explained: “Both poinsettias and amaryllis can be re-potted in clay granules known as LECA (Light Expanded Clay Aggregate) which do not contain organic matter, so pests, fungi and bacteria cannot thrive, meaning less risk of disease and damage to plants.
“LECA provides efficient irrigation to the plants and is also fully recyclable. It is widely available from garden centres and online.
“When the festivities are over, show your plant a little love and keep it in a cooler location for next year. Minimise the watering once it has flowered and it will go dormant until it is ready to flower again, often better than before.”
