What is the story of the Christmas poinsettia?

A Mexican legend tells of a girl who could only offer weeds as a gift to Jesus on Christmas Eve. When she brought the weeds into a church, they blossomed into the beautiful red plants we know as poinsettias, known as Flores de Noche Buena in Mexico (Spanish for “flowers of the holy night”).

Where did poinsettia originate?

Southern Mexico
The poinsettia is native to Southern Mexico and has been used in religious ceremonies for centuries. In 1828, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Doctor Joel Poinsett, sent a clipping of the plant back to home in South Carolina. Dr. Poinsett shared the plant with other people and it was eventually called the Poinsettia.

What does the poinsettia flower symbolize?

While considered by the ancient Aztecs to be symbols of purity, in today’s language of flowers, red, white or pink poinsettias, the December birth flower, symbolize good cheer and success and are said to bring wishes of mirth and celebration.

When did poinsettias originate?

The poinsettia was first associated with Christmas in southern Mexico in the 1600s, when Franciscan priests used the colorful leaves and bracts to adorn extravagant nativity scenes.

Who invented the poinsettia?

Joel Roberts Poinsett introduced the poinsettia plant to the United States from Mexico. Poinsett was a botanist, physician and the first United States Ambassador to Mexico.

Who named the poinsettia?

Joel Roberts Poinsett
The poinsettia made its way to the United States when Joel Roberts Poinsett (for whom the plant is named after) brought them back to his home state of South Carolina in 1828.

Why are poinsettias red?

Many people wonder what makes poinsettias turn red. It is actually the plant’s leaves that provide its color through a process called photoperiodism. This process, in response to certain amounts of light or lack thereof, turns the leaves from green to red (or pink, white, and other shade variations).

Are poinsettias religious?

Joel Roberts Poinsett in the early 1800s, but they have been used as a part of religious ceremonies in Mexico for centuries, all the way back to the time of the Aztecs. Just like everything else, poinsettias have their own holiday.

Can you plant a poinsettia outside?

Poinsettia plants outdoors must have a sunny corner to call home, somewhere protected from harsh winds that can damage them quickly. When you are growing poinsettia plants outside, choose a spot with slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Be sure it drains well to avoid root rot.

What is the lifespan of a poinsettia?

“Home gardeners generally keep their poinsettias one or two years. If they’re really dedicated, maybe a little longer. But the life span for interior plants when you live in the North is measured in months, not years.”

How do you turn a poinsettia blue?

Do poinsettias need shade or sun?

Light: Place your poinsettias in an area where they’ll receive a minimum of six hours of bright (but not direct) sunlight each day. Temperature: These plants prefer temperatures from 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and from 60 to 65 degrees at night.

Do poinsettias come back every year?

Some gardeners are not satisfied with this long season of indoor beauty and attempt to save the plants to re-bloom the following winter. Poinsettias can be kept year after year, and they will bloom each year if you give them proper care.

Do poinsettias like coffee grounds?

According to Gardening Know How, poinsettias do well using any all-purpose houseplant fertilizer. If you don’t want to go store-bought though, consider mixing coffee grounds or some a little finished compost into the soil. The added nitrogen will help keep your poinsettia extra healthy.

Does poinsettia need a lot of water?

Poinsettias prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid placing them in drafty areas or where there is excessive heat (a general rule for all of your houseplants), and remember not to place them near a fireplace or on appliances (again, a heat issue).

Do poinsettias smell?

The olfactive profile of the Poinsettia Flower is a pine-like terpenic scent, frequently with a mushroom note, as they are prone to a fungus.

Can you use ice cubes to water poinsettias?

The second best option is to use the ice cube trick. If you can water the poinsettia well once per week, placing 6-8 ice cubes in the container every day will do a good job of keeping the soil adequately moist.

Why does my poinsettia drop its leaves?

Poinsettias will classically drop their leaves if they are exposed to sudden changes in temperature, drafts or overly cool or dry rooms. They also will lose leaves and wilt in response to an extreme need for water.

Do you water poinsettias from the top or bottom?

When should I water my poinsettia? Water your poinsettia plant only when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Thoroughly moisten the soil to the point that water is draining from the bottom of the growing pot. Discard any excess water that builds up in the saucer or decorative foil pot cover.

What is the best fertilizer for poinsettias?

Some common fertilizers used for poinsettias are 15-0-15, 15-16-17, 20-10-20, and EXCEL Cal-Mag 15-5-15. But other fertilizer types can also be used to grow good plants. For example, I’ve been using 20-0-20 with superphosphate added to the growth medium for a couple of years with great results.

What is the best way to water poinsettias?

The best way to water a poinsettia plant is to put the plant in the kitchen sink, then saturate the plant slowly until water drips through the drainage hole. Let the pot stand in the sink until excess moisture drains, and then set the pot on a plate or tray. Never allow the pot to stand in water.