9 Reasons You Should Buy Artificial Poinsettias This Year

Poinsettias are a traditional Christmas flower, their jolly red petals contrasting rich green foliage, setting the tone for the season. However, these lovely flowers can be fleeting and high-maintenance, leading many to swap them out for artificial poinsettias instead.

In this article, we’ll cover the benefits of artificial poinsettias and why you should consider swapping out fresh flowers this year.

1. Longer Lasting

With proper care, potted poinsettias may last up to eight weeks — though they will likely start dropping petals by week six. So, if you display your fresh poinsettia at the start of December, it might look a bit ragged by the time the holidays arrive.

Artificial poinsettias will last for years. You can set them outside without concern about frost and snow killing them and display them proudly as soon as Halloween ends if that’s your preference!

2. Low Maintenance

Fresh poinsettias require a lot of care and attention if you want them to thrive during the holiday season and make a repeat appearance next year. You must water regularly, fertilize, prune, and store it safely during dormancy.

Artificial poinsettias are low maintenance. They require the occasional dusting or sprucing up to look vibrant and fresh — no watering or pruning necessary!

3. Less Risk of Harm to Pets

According to the ASPCA, the toxicity of poinsettias to pets is often overstated. It’s unlikely that this seasonal plant will cause lasting harm, but it could cause irritation, vomiting, and general unwellness. The age and size of your pet could impact the severity.

If you have pets at home, it’s best to play it safe and invest in artificial poinsettias instead.

4. Less Risk of Contact Allergy

The sap from fresh poinsettias can cause irritation and leave a rash on your skin. Most workers who handle these plants regularly wear gloves.

If you have a latex allergy, you’re at higher risk of contact dermatitis or allergic responses (sneezing, eyes watering, etc.) when these plants are present. Did you know that poinsettias are one of the leading latex-producing plants in the world?

If you or someone in your household has allergies or asthma, or if you have curious hands-on children, swap out your fresh flowers for artificial poinsettias.

5. Potentially More Eco-Friendly

There’s been much debate in recent years about real flowers and Christmas trees and whether they’re actually worse for the environment than artificial options. There’s no black-and-white (or green) answer — it depends on several factors.

Cultivating and shipping fresh poinsettias typically requires pesticides, heated storage facilities, and long-range transportation for these tropical plants. Many people prefer to throw them out and get new ones next year, often failing to recycle the pot or compost the organic matter.

Purchasing artificial poinsettias means no pesticides, reusability, less repeat transportation, and no need for temperature control. However, they may be shipped from overseas, contain synthetic dyes, and include plastics that won’t break down when you eventually throw them out.

If you can’t properly dispose of a fresh poinsettia or try to maintain it for next year, consider an ethically sourced, eco-friendly artificial alternative, or get crafty and create your own.

6. Unique Color Options

Fresh poinsettias are most abundant in shades of red and white. If you see fresh poinsettias in blue, pink, and other vibrant colors, they’ve likely been dyed or painted.

Artificial poinsettias come in every imaginable color, with glitter, two-toned — you name it! Artificial is the way to go if you have a unique vision for your holiday aesthetic.

7. Versatility in Decor Applications

Fresh poinsettias only last as long as they do because they’re potted. If you cut the blooms to use elsewhere, they’ll wither quickly. The shortened lifespan dramatically limits your decor options.

Conversely, you can place artificial poinsettias anywhere. Put blooms on your tree, on wreaths, or as garnish to your dishes without the risk of poisoning everyone at dinner.

8. No Mess or Pests

In addition to the risk of toxicity, keeping poinsettias alive with pets in the home can be a challenge. If you have a cat who gets personally offended by objects on flat surfaces or can’t resist the Christmas tree, you can bet they’ll knock over your poinsettia a time or two, sending dirt everywhere.

Live plants also attract pests like thrips and spider mites. Conversely, artificial plants don’t require soil and don’t attract pests or playful kittens.

9. Cost Savings

Fresh flower arrangements can be costly, and you can expect to pay every year for seasonal arrangements. Even if you keep your poinsettia alive, it requires soil, fertilizer, and other nominal expenses.

Artificial poinsettias are often cheaper than fresh ones. If you invest in a higher-end, more authentic-looking fake arrangement, your long-term savings are still more than purchasing fresh each year.

Summary of Reasons You Should Buy Artificial Poinsettias

The photo featured at the top of this post is © goc/iStock via Getty Images