Types of poinsettias
Are there different colors of poinsettias?
The red bracts of a poinsettia around its tiny cyathia. Plant breeders have taken this species, Euphorbia pulcherrima, and created a gorgeous selection of cultivated poinsettias in various shades of red, pink, white, yellow – and even green. And some of these are variegated, with marbled, mottled, or speckled patterns.
How many species of poinsettias exist?
Over 100 varieties of poinsettia are available to growers in the United States. Beekenkamp Plants, Selecta One, Dummen Orange, Syngenta Flowers, and Suntory Flowers are the main breeding companies. Many new varieties of poinsettia are actually sports of other cultivars.
How do you identify poinsettias?
Poinsettias bear dark green leaves between three and six inches long; cultivars may have pale green, cream, orange, or marbled leaves. The top leaves are a modified form called bracts. These are brightly colored – red in the species, although cultivars with pink or white bracts have been developed.
Is poinsettia male or female?
The Poinsettia
Simply put, it is a hermaphrodite. A complete flower, known as a cyathium, consists of five sperm/pollen-producing stamen (male flowers) surrounding a single pistillate (female flower) which contains the ovary and egg.
How long does a poinsettia live for?
two to three months
How Long Do Poinsettias Last? If cared for properly, a potted poinsettia can last for two to three months in your home. However, some home gardeners with a particularly green thumb may enjoy the challenge of caring for a poinsettia long after Christmas in hopes of a second bloom next holiday.
Are purple poinsettias real?
There are over 100 varieties of Poinsettias available. Though once only available in red, there are now Poinsettias in pink, white, yellow, purple, salmon, and multi-colors.
What do poinsettias symbolize?
We consider them a Christmas flower, and many people give them around Christmas time to symbolise good will and community spirit. In religious communities, the shape of the poinsettia flower is thought to symbolise the Star of Bethlehem, with the red leaves of the poinsettia symbolising the blood of Christ.
How do you get a poinsettia to turn red?
To make them turn red, you need to restrain exposure to light. As early as September, place it in a room that is exclusively lit up by natural light, and check that it stays in complete darkness for 14 hours on a 24 hour day. Do this for eight weeks!
How do you get a poinsettia to rebloom?
How to Get Poinsettias to Rebloom
- Prune your poinsettia plant. …
- Fertilize the poinsettia every two weeks. …
- Repot the plant in warmer months. …
- Transport your plant outdoors. …
- Pinch to encourage side branching. …
- Place the poinsettia in a warm, dark environment. …
- Display your poinsettia plant.
What 3 colors can poinsettia leaves be?
If you are a color fanatic, try a really unique cultivar called Tri-Color. This amazing plant has 3 colors of bracts – red, white and pink.
Where Are poinsettias originally from?
southern Mexico
The poinsettia flower is native to Central America – specifically, an area in southern Mexico called “Taxco del Alarcon” – and the plants were used by the ancient Aztecs to make a purple dye for clothing and cosmetics. They also used the poinsettias’ milky white sap wax to create a medicine to treat fevers.
What do poinsettias symbolize?
We consider them a Christmas flower, and many people give them around Christmas time to symbolise good will and community spirit. In religious communities, the shape of the poinsettia flower is thought to symbolise the Star of Bethlehem, with the red leaves of the poinsettia symbolising the blood of Christ.
What is a white poinsettia called?
Enduring Marble
This poinsettia has creamy white, almost lime-green petals with shades of soft pink throughout each petal. It is the perfect plant to have around when you want a little color in your home, but don’t want that color to be obnoxious or take away from your other indoor plants.
How do you get a poinsettia to turn red?
To make them turn red, you need to restrain exposure to light. As early as September, place it in a room that is exclusively lit up by natural light, and check that it stays in complete darkness for 14 hours on a 24 hour day. Do this for eight weeks!
Is poinsettia a flower or plant?
Native to Mexico, poinsettias are in the Euphorbia family and are a popular holiday plant because of their colorful bracts (leaves). There is also a species that is used as a cut flower. They are most commonly used for decorating during the winter holidays, but are also attractive as green plants throughout the year.