Poinsettia Mastery

Poinsettias are notoriously dramatic. The red 'flowers' are actually modified leaves called bracts. The biggest mistake people make is suffocating them: Poinsettias are often sold wrapped in decorative foil. If you water the plant while it's in the foil, the water pools at the bottom, rotting the roots, and the plant will drop all its green leaves within days. Always remove the foil (or punch holes in it) and let the pot drain completely.