How to take the healthiest poinsettia home this Christmas

Buying a poinsettia for Christmas? Don't just grab the first one you see. Being tropical plants, poinsettias are fussy about temperature and will quickly die if they have been kept on a cold shop shelf, outside on a petrol station forecourt or even in a draughty spot in an otherwise warm supermarket. Instead, choose your plant carefully from a reputable shop that has kept it in optimum conditions, and wrap it well for the journey home.

Here are more tips to ensure your poinsettia survives, and thrives, at home with you this Christmas.

Eight ways to pick the right poinsettia

1. Buy a poinsettia from a supermarket where there's a high turnover of plants, or a garden centre where plants are stored in warm conditions, not outdoors or in a draught. Being kept in a cold place can cause the colourful bracts to drop off once you get it home.
2. Look for a healthy plant – this means bright colourful bracts, strong upright stems and fresh green leaves along the stems.
3. Choose a bushy plant, rather than one with just one main stem. A leggy plant means it hasn't been grown in ideal conditions, with a lack of light.
4. If it's wrapped, turn the plant around so you can inspect for any brown or dead leaves.
5. Inspect the soil – if it's very dry it may have been on the shelf for a while, while soggy compost could indicate overwatering.
6. Look underneath the pot to check the plant isn't pot bound or has rotting roots. If pot bound you'll notice roots coming out of the bottom of the pot. If you can see roots they should look white and firm, not mushy.
7. Check for any insects, such as aphids, on the plant. Look at the top of the compost and underneath the leaves.
8. Wrap or cover the plant before leaving the shop to prevent the shock of cold air once you've got it outside, and don't leave it in a cold car for a long time before taking it home.

How to keep your poinsettia alive

Poinsettias are easy to look after but won't thrive if they are not cared for correctly. The most common cause of plants dying is overwatering or being kept at the wrong temperature. If the leaves turn yellow, start wilting or dropping off, it's likely you are overwatering. Keep the compost just moist, watering only when the top feels dry to touch. When you do water, use tepid (not cold) water and water from the top. Check after watering to make sure your plant isn't sitting in any water that has collected in the saucer.

Place your poinsettia in a spot that gets bright, indirect light but not direct sun. Avoid draughts and any shelves or tables that are next to radiators. It's best to avoid putting your poinsettia on a windowsill as they can get too cold at night. Keep your plant in a room that's between 16-21ºC and doesn't fall below 13ºC at night.

• Buy poinsettias from The Little Botanical or Interflora