Who Doesn't Know a Poinsettia?
Updated: Feb 26
Poinsettias are the most popular and traditional decorations of the Christmas season!
Here are a few facts about this beautiful plant;
Joel Roberts Poinsett introduced the poinsettia to the United States in 1828 from Mexico. He was a botanist, physician, and the first United States Ambassador to Mexico.
There are over a hundred varieties of poinsettias! Traditional colors include red, pink, burgundy, marbled, and speckled.
Poinsettias have been known in other parts of the world as the lobster flower or flame-leaf thrower due to its red color.
According to a study at Ohio State University, poinsettias are not poisonous. A 50 pound child would have to eat over 500 leaves to have a harmful effect and if your pets decide to snack on the leaves, they will be met with vomiting and diarrhea.
Poinsettias are the best selling plant in the United States while California is the top producer of this holiday plant.
UP FOR A CHALLENGE?
Poinsettias can be challenge to keep after the holidays because they are a warm weather plant! If you are up for the challenge, here are some tips to help them thrive and survive!
Light: they do best in 6-8 hours of bright diffused sunlight. Exposure to direct sunlight will burn the leaves.
Water: when the surface of the soil feels dry, water your plant thoroughly to the point that water runs through the holes in the bottom of the pot. Poinsettias do well with damp soil. Signs of overwatering are wilting leaves!
Temperature and humidity: the best case scenario to keep these plants blooming is 65-75 degrees during the day. To combat the lack of humidity in the winter months (due to running the heat), a humidifier is a good solution to adding moisture to the air.
Fertilize: never fertilize a poinsettia during its blooming season. In the spring, when there is no growth, you can fertilize at half strength every three to four weeks until you start seeing new growth.
Regardless of whether you enjoy your poinsettia for the season or keep it all year long, poinsettias are a wonderful unique plant to enjoy!
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