Poinsettia paradise: Brighten up the home with vibrant Christmas blooms
Poinsettias are mainly known for the rich, colorful leaves called bracts and a popular floral display at Christmas.
Herald-Standard
A potted poinsettia can add a festive decor to any atmosphere during the holidays with its rich, velvet blooms.
A native plant of Mexico, poinsettias are synonymous with the Christmas season. The red Freedom variety remains the most popular at Neubauer's Flowers in Uniontown comprising about 80 percent of poinsettia sales.
The star-shaped leaves and rich velvet blooms of poinsettias make the flower a stand out display during the holidays.
The Catholic missionaries that followed the Spanish explorers to Mexico believed the poinsettia represented the blood of Christ and was associated with his birth because it bloomed during the Christmas season, according to Penn State Extension.
Poinsettias require the proper light, temperature and water to continue blooming during the holiday season and weeks to follow.
Poinsettias are also known as Mexican Flame Leaf, Winter Rose, Noche Buena and, in Turkey, Atakurk's Flower, according to Teleflora.com.
The star-shaped leaves and rich velvet blooms of poinsettias have made the Mexican native flower synonymous with the Christmas season for centuries.
According to Penn State Extension, poinsettias were called cuetlaxochitl in the Aztec Empire, meaning a mortal flower that withers like all that is pure.
The Aztecs believed the plant had special healing powers, and emperors used it in their religious ceremonies.
To the Catholic missionaries that followed the Spanish explorers to Mexico, the flower represented the blood of Christ and was associated with his birth because it bloomed during the Christmas season, according to Penn State.
While poinsettias are typically known for their colorful leaves called bracts, horticulture experts say the true flower is a tiny green or yellow bloom in the center called a cyathium.
The poinsettia is named after Joel Robert Poinsett, a botanist and the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico.
Poinsettias are also known as Mexican Flame Leaf, Winter Rose, Noche Buena and, in Turkey, Atakurk’s Flower, notes Teleflora.com.
Valerie Sesler, master gardener at Penn State Extension, Fayette County, said poinsettias are grown today in all 50 states and over 60 million plants are produced for sale.
The red Freedom variety remains the most popular at Neubauer’s Flowers in Uniontown comprising about 80 percent of poinsettia sales, said owner Steve Neubauer.
Neubauer said his family previously grew their own poinsettias until several years ago and now purchases them from a friend that owns a local greenhouse that has been in business for multiple generations.
“We have them in stock and are continuing to receive plants twice a week,” added Neubauer.
The University of Illinois Extension reported poinsettias contribute more than $250 million to the U.S. economy at the retail level in the six weeks prior to Christmas.
While poinsettia plants are believed to be poisonous, the Mayo Clinc points out in most cases, skin exposure to the sap can cause symptoms of discomfort such as a mild, itchy rash if skin and even eye irritation.
If ingested, it can result in a stomachache, vomiting or diarrhea.
Although they mainly serve as Christmas floral display, Penn State said poinsettias have the best chance of surviving past the holidays with the right amount of water, light and temperature.
One thing that is certain though is that poinsettias are susceptible to the cold.
Neubauer said poinsettias typically prefer temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees, although they can withstand temperatures as low as 50 degrees.
“It’s not detrimental, but it will stunt their growth because they are a tropical plant in nature,” said Neubauer. “They prefer bright lights and not necessarily full sun.”
When transporting poinsettias in cold weather, Neubauer stressed the plant should be covered and moved from the place of purchase to a warm vehicle and into to the house as quickly as possible.
“Prolonged cool temperatures are not good, but the plant will acclimate to its surroundings,” said Neubauer.
Another key to keeping poinsettias looking perfect is to water them properly.
According to Penn State, the soil should be kept from drying out, but over watering them can make them prone to root rot.
A good rule of thumb is to remove the foil wrapping around the pot or make a hole in the foil to allow for proper drainage.
Neubauer said he typically gives his plants two to three ounces of water a day.
Penn State notes it’s important to place poinsettias in a sunny window so that they receive at least half a day of sunlight. They also will appreciate the cooler nighttime temperatures, but don’t place them in a drafty area.
To keep a poinsettia for a second year, Penn State recommends cutting the shoots back by about a third once the bracts have faded.
Then, move the plant to a cool, but well-ventilated area and check it regularly to make sure it doesn’t dry out.
Neubauer pointed out doing so is often difficult because it requires strict timing.
In May, move the plant to a sunny window and cut the plant back to about three to five inches in height. Pinch back any new growth.
Neubauer said this is around the time when greenhouses start growing poinsettias although smaller plants can be started as late as August.
Feed the plant every seven to 10 days with a fertilizer solution during September.
Around the first of October, the poinsettia should be placed in a dark closet or room each night.
In the morning, it needs moved back to an area with more light. Covering the plant with something to keep the light out until late November will also work.
Penn State said flower buds should be well formed by Thanksgiving, and the plant can then remain in the light.
When choosing a poinsettia, Sesler recommends the following:
n Look for dark green leaves and colorful bracts that are fully colored. A lot of green on the edges means the plants were shipped too early.
n Avoid plants in plastic sleeves as these plants usually age faster. Check the tiny yellow flowers at the center of the bracts. If the flowers are open and you can see the yellow powdery pollen, the plants are past their prime. Look for tight yellow buds.
n Protect your poinsettia plant when you bring it home by wrapping it in a shopping bag if the temperature is below 50 degrees. Because they are extremely brittle, handle them with care so as not to snap the branches.
n Place your poinsettia in a location with bright but indirect light. Keep it away from direct heat and cold drafts as both can damage the plant.
n Water your poinsettia when the soil feels dry, but don’t let it wilt.
“With a little bit of care, this popular Christmas classic will provide many weeks of color, even beyond the holidays,” said Sesler.