Did you know that poinsettias can be used as a cut flower? This was new information to me, which I was delighted to hear! Who of us hasn’t had part of a potted poinsettia break off? Isn’t it heartbreaking to have to throw it away? This tip might also prove helpful when you have a poinsettia that is asymmetrical, where the look would be improved if you could remove a section that’s protruding from one side.

Here’s how:

• Prepare a small container ahead of time, filling it with a mix of greens from your yard or even bare branches!
• Fill the container two-thirds full of water.
• Have a towel and a lighter ready to go. Make a fresh cut to the stem end at the right height for the arrangement. As soon as a poinsettia is severed, it will ooze a white “sap,” so beware!
• Hold the lighter under cut stem end until flame has touched all of the stem’s cut.
• Plunge it into the greens you prepared. Ta-da!

I've had good luck with cut poinsettias lasting at least three or four days in the vase, and often much longer.

This year, enjoy using poinsettias in new ways and places with this fun technique.

Happy Holidays!