Poinsettia – The Christmas Flower

The poinsettia flower is not actually a flower, the red “blooms” are bracts- modified leaves. The true flowers are the yellow clusters in the center of the bracts. Despite this misconception, the bract is often referred to as the poinsettia flower. Nowadays, this “flower” not only is available in red but also in pink, cream, white, purple and bi-color.

Florists know how important poinsettias are to the Christmas holidays. After all without an ornately decorated tree, a wreath and the Christmas flower (poinsettia) to adorn our homes the feeling of Christmas just wouldn’t be the same. Whether pink, white, purple or red, the poinsettia is the perfect flower for Christmas. Explore the poinsettia colors at your local florist today.

History of the Poinsettia

Joel Poinsett was the American Ambassador to Mexico in the late 1820s. He was a fine statesman with a passion in botany. During his tenure in Mexico, he became very interested in a plant used by the Aztecs as a medicine and coloring dye. Upon his return to the United States, he introduced this plant to several horticulturists in South Carolina which they later named poinsettia. By the 1900′s, the Ecke Family of South California began producing poinsettias as a landscape plant and a cut flower. Many of the cultivars today are a result work by the Paul Ecke Ranch and the reason the poinsettia has become widely used as a Christmas flower.

Poinsettia Care

Keeping the soil moist, but not soggy, is essential when caring for poinsettias. This can be accomplished by watering it thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch. Make sure the container has drain holes. It is imperative to remove any excess water from the saucer. Poinsettias do best in high humidity with a temperature range of 60 degrees at night and 72 degrees during the day. Avoid exposing poinsettias to temperature swings from cold drafts, heating vents or doorways. Poinsettias need approximately six hours of indirect light. Do not fertilize when the plant is blooming. Temperature swings, over-watering, under-watering, over exposure and lack of light will cause stress to the poinsettia. Stress of any type will cause the bracts to have a shorter life. Poinsettia care if done properly will keep your plant healthy for a long time.

Send someone a poinsettia today!

Source: Flowershopnetwork.com