Today is National Poinsettia Day. Do you know why?
Poinsettias are a woody shrub native to Mexico and were brought to the United States in 1825 by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico. Poinsett died Dec. 12, 1851.
Flower shops around the country are filled with these festive blooms, symbols of the Christmas holiday. More than 60 million poinsettia plants are sold annually.
With proper care, a poinsettia can last through the entire holiday season. Here's how to nurture one:
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 place 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. (The colorful 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.)
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.
