Poinsettias

Every winter holiday one of the most popular plants is the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). This plant is native to Mexico to Central America. It was first described by the Europeans in 1834. Its name comes from Joel Roberts Poinsett who was the first United States minister to Mexico. The first botanical specimen was collected in 1803 by Alexander von Homboldt.

Poinsettias belong to the plant family Euphorbiaceae. The leaves contain a white latex that may cause itchiness, redness or swelling. The colored bracts which are usually bright red are often thought to be flower petals. These bracts have been cultivated to be orange, cream, pink, white or marbled. But the flowers are very small and found in the center of the bracts.

About 70 million poinsettias are sold each year at the holidays! In 2019 retail sales of poinsettias reached more than $215 million.

Put your poinsettia in bright light at home, although it can tolerate indirect sunlight. Too dark ant the plant will get leggy reaching for the light. Room temperature should be between 65 and 70 degrees. Water regularly, if the plant becomes too dry, it will lose its leaves.

Try a new cultivar next time you purchase poinsettias for holiday color!