As if there weren't quite enough going on this month, next Friday is National Poinsettia Day! I plan to celebrate by sending this cheerful brilliant bloom to friends and family I won't see over the holidays. Native to Mexico, poinsettias were brought to the United States in 1825 by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico.
Another fun fact: The part of the plant that most people think is the flower is called a “bract,” which is really a colorful modified leaf. The flowers of a poinsettia are the yellow cyathias in the center.
Poinsettias are long lasting. Here's how to give yours proper care:
Light
Place the plant in indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day.
Temperature
Avoid cold drafts or excessive heat. Keep the plant in a warm room with temperatures between 68-70° F. Never put one on a television!
Poinsettias are sensitive to temperatures below 50° F – cold temperatures can cause the bracts to discolor or fall from the plant.
Water
Water a poinsettia when the soil feels dry to the touch. Always remove the plant from decorative pot wrappings or pot covers before watering it in your sink. Allow excess water to drain completely before placing the plant back in its decorative covering.
Health concerns and benefits
Contrary to popular belief, the poinsettia is not poisonous. As with all ornamental plants, poinsettias are not intended for human or animal consumption. Poinsettias, like many indoor plants, are helpful in removing indoor pollutants from the air and producing oxygen for a cleaner environment.
Flower Fact of the Day: Another red flower we associate with the holidays is Amaryllis, named in honor of a nymph. According to legend, the flower gets its color from her blood. Today, the amaryllis represents pride, determination and radiant beauty.
