Poinsettias
by CMG Kathleen S.
Poinsettias, Euphoria pulcherrima, are a beautiful and iconic symbol of Christmas. Their brilliant red color stands out against the traditional backdrop of evergreen wreaths and sprays. Franciscan friars in Mexico used the Poinsettia blooms as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem and the red color a symbol of the blood of Christ.
Native to Mexico, they have history dating back to the Aztecs. Prized for their color in making dyes and for reducing high fevers. The Poinsettia is also known as Mexican flame leaf.
The name Poinsettia is attributed to Joel Roberts Poinsett. He was a United States minister to Mexico in the early 1800’s and a botanist. Mr. Poinsett introduced the plants to American consumers through his greenhouses in South Carolina.
Photo from joyusgarden.com. This poinsettia shows the closed flowers and is a fresh one.
Often times the bracts (leaves) are confused for the poinsettia flowers. The actual flower can be found in the center of the surrounding-colored leaves. The flowers are tiny and yellow. When choosing the best poinsettia to bring home look for “tight and yellow” unopened blooms. This indicates a fresh poinsettia.
Photo from joyusgarden.com. This is not a fresh poinsettia indicated by the dried up missing flowers.
When the centers are fuzzy yellow, completely open or missing, they are old and should be avoided.
Photo from University of Missouri.
Photo from creativemarket.com
Other color choices for the poinsettia leaves are pink, yellow and white
Hardy zones 9 to 11, poinsettias are sold primarily as annuals. Overwatering is a major risk. Most poinsettias are sold in a water proof outer wrapper. Remove the plant from this container before watering at a sink and allow to drain before placing back in the container. Provide 6 hours of indirect sunlight each day. And keep your plants in a warm room – between 65 and 70 degrees – during the day and around 60 degrees at night. If the environment is too cool, the plants will drop their leaves. Drafts from windows, heaters or air conditioning can also cause the plants to drop their leaves.
If you want to keep your poinsettias past the Holidays, follow these steps. Prune the stems about 4 inches above the soil level. Repot your plant into a larger container using a slightly acidic potting soil enhanced with peat moss or perlite. Water as needed. Pinch the stem tips consistently until July. You will also want to fertilize every month with a diluted house plant fertilizer starting in the Spring.
Starting around September 21st, 22nd, 23rd or 24th (the dates of the Fall equinox) place the poinsettia in a darkened room from sunset to sunrise each day. This will encourage your plant to rebloom. And you should start to see the festive colored leaves around the 1st of November.
For more tips and best practices click here.
Photo from pixabay.com
References: thespruce.com/poinsettia-care-guide-1403587, florgeous.com. agrilifetoday.tamu.edu, calendar.best/autumn-date.html