Poinsettia Flowers

Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are popular ornamental plants especially known for their striking red and green foliage that make them a quintessential decoration during the Christmas season. Here are some key points about them:

Appearance

• Bracts: The colorful parts of the poinsettia that are often mistaken for petals are actually bracts, which are modified leaves. These bracts can be red, pink, white, or multi-colored, though red is the most traditional.
• Flowers: The true flowers of the poinsettia are small, yellow, and located at the center of the bracts. They’re called cyathia.

Cultural Significance

• Christmas Tradition: Native to Mexico, poinsettias have become strongly associated with Christmas. This is due in part to their bright red color and also the legend of a Mexican girl who, inspired by an angel, offered weeds to Jesus that turned into the bright red star-shaped poinsettia.
• National Symbol: In the United States, December 12th is celebrated as National Poinsettia Day, honoring the day Joel Roberts Poinsett, an amateur botanist and the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, passed away. He introduced the plant to the U.S. in the 1820s.

Care Tips

• Light: Poinsettias require at least six hours of indirect sunlight each day.
• Water: They prefer a moderately moist soil but should not be waterlogged. It’s best to water only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
• Temperature: They thrive in temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Sudden temperature shifts and exposure to drafts can cause the bracts and leaves to drop.

After-Season Care

• Pruning: Once the bracts have faded, the plant can be pruned back to about 6 inches to promote new growth.
• Reflowering: With some specific care, it is possible to coax a poinsettia into blooming again for the next holiday season. This usually involves periods of complete darkness (14-16 hours per day) starting from October until they begin to show color in their bracts.

Toxicity

• Humans and Pets: Poinsettias have a reputation for being highly toxic, but this is largely overstated. While they can cause mild irritation to the mouth and stomach if ingested, they are generally not fatal. However, it’s still best to keep them out of reach of small children and pets.

Having poinsettias around can add a festive touch to your holiday decor, and with the right care, they can thrive and even rebloom in subsequent years!