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First, you may be wondering: Where did the poinsettia originate from? 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.
What is the story behind poinsettias?
The story behind poinsettias is rich in history and lore. The vibrant plants are native to the rocky canyons of Guatemala and Mexico. 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.
What country is the poinsettia originally from?
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.
Why do we give poinsettias at Christmas?
The reason we associate poinsettias with the holidays comes from an old Mexican legend. A young girl named Pepita was sad that she didn’t have a gift to leave for the baby Jesus at Christmas Eve services. Her cousin tried to comfort her and said that Jesus would love any present from her, even the smallest one.
Do poinsettias have a spiritual meaning?
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.
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.
Is a poinsettia a cactus?
Though often stated to be highly toxic, the poinsettia is not dangerous to pets or children. Exposure to the plant, even consumption, most often results in no effect, though it can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Poinsettia Clade: Rosids Order: Malpighiales Family: Euphorbiaceae Genus: Euphorbia.
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).
Why do poinsettias have milk?
As a member of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) poinsettias have a milky sap. This latex helps conserve moisture within the plant and deters animals and insects from eating the plant, since the latex is bitter and toxic if eaten in large doses. If your potted poinsettia bleeds white sap, it has sustained an injury.
What is the life expectancy of a poinsettia plant?
“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 long does a poinsettia last?
If cared for properly, a potted poinsettia can last for 2 to 3 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.
How big is the biggest poinsettia?
The plant stands more than 1.5 metres tall, measures more than 3.6 metres around and weighs more than 100 pounds. “It just kept growing,” said Allison, who lives in Halifax.
Are poinsettias a Catholic thing?
The Catholic Church tried to ban the poinsettia at the time of the Spanish conquest of Mexico, considering it a pagan plant because the Aztecs worshipped it as a symbol of purity. The Church eventually reconciled with it, though, and it’s now called flor de Noche Buena (Christmas Eve flower) in Mexico.
What do poinsettias smell like?
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.
Are poinsettias poisonous to humans?
The poinsettia plant is often considered deadly. Poinsettia can be irritating but it is not fatal if eaten. If children and pets eat it, they can develop a mouth rash and stomach upset. The sap can cause a skin rash, too.
Are poinsettias weeds?
Wild Poinsettia / Desert Poinsettia (Euphorbia heterophylla var. Both plants are members of the euphorbia family. This plant is sometimes grown for the colorful green and orange bracts, but it is considered a weed.
What year was the first poinsettia brought to the United States?
Poinsettias were first introduced into the United States in 1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett. While serving as the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, he had occasion to visit Taxco and found the plants growing on adjacent hillsides.
Are poinsettias native to Hawaii?
The Hawaiian word for the poinsettia plant is Pua Kalikimaka, litterally meaning, “Christmas flower.” Its common name is Zach Wood or noche buena, revealing its indigenous Mexico and Central American origins. It was brought to Hawaii not long after.
What do you do with poinsettias at Christmas?
Toss the poinsettia when you grow tired of it or it becomes unattractive. For those home gardeners who enjoy a challenge, it is possible to get the poinsettia to bloom again next season. Cut the stems back to within 4 to 6 inches of the soil in March. The poinsettia may also be repotted at this time.
Can you plant poinsettias outside?
Poinsettias aren’t popular only at Christmas time. With the right care, these traditional holiday plants can shed their shiny foil and bows to become long-lasting houseplants. You can also grow them outdoors in your garden if you live in a frost-free area.
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.
