Poinsettias are these big petaled flowers sold in majority of stores during the holiday season. You can see them everywhere! In your wally world, your mom and pops, the banks, the coffee shops, and often on grandma's fireplace mantle. But what makes these flowers so special? Well common history knows they are derived from the Aztecs and regarded as a symbol of purity. Today its more commonly known as the December flower (for all you Christmas babies) and a symbol for spreading good cheer and success! It's a beautiful decoration though there's more to it than a pretty flower.
Did you know it can come in red, but also crème, pink but during the year are green? I didn't. Another thing, its not petals, their more leaves, called bracts. They change color during short winters so for most the year the plant is green until it becomes colder and less bright outside. The color helps to attract bugs to the center for pollination, where in the center you'll find the yellow flower called cyathia where in once pollinated, the bracts will fall. They derive from warmer areas, born of Mexico, with a preference for 65 to 70 degree temperatures making them ideal indoor plants. They will keep all year, but will lose their bracts and color to grow again, and with dutiful, attentive care they will bloom their color again the next year. However it is a time consuming process and I would recommend only for the seasoned or more determined gardener, as well as reference you to the care style outlined from the University of Minnesota. They have a great step by step there that I'm not as experienced in for the advanced gardener to follow to rebloom these beautiful flowers.
And another fun fact for those concerned for their fur babies or babies in general, its not recommended to eat but it is non toxic. The sap can cause skin irritation that should be quickly washed with soap and warm water off to prevent. So be mindful where you place it so you don't end up with sticky fur babies or littles digging into plants they shouldn't. So mantles, shelves, center table out of reach make better spots where you can still enjoy the beauty!
As well the very reason America has enjoyed this beautiful plant is actually due to a man named Joel Robert Poinsett (hense Poinsettia), the first Ambassador for the US to Mexico in 1825 During one of his travels to Mexico, he fell in love with this winter wonder and sent a few back to be grown in his green houses, sharing them with friends and family. From there it became widely popular, wherein we all can enjoy this marvelous plant! And so from the Ambassador to us to you, we wish you happy holidays and poinsettia for all! Please share photos of your flowers below, we'd love to see the way you spread your season joy! As always, we're here for the flowers!
Enjoy Poinsettia Day, December 12th!