Year after year, I am told by my customers they would love to get a poinsettia, but they are poisonous, "and I have kids and pets." THIS IS A MYTH. The wonderful Christmas plant (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is the most widely tested consumer plant on the market today, and shows NOT to be toxic to either humans or animals. Now, I know your Mom said, " she heard " they are poisonous. Sorry, Mom, a 1971 study at Ohio State University debunked the rumor that started way back in 1919 in Hawaii. The misdiagnosed death of an Army officers two year old child started the tale. Since, then, the Flower of the Holy Night has been always under the magnifying glass and has proven itself to be SAFE. Now, that we got that settled, let me share with you, some history, fun facts, care and handling. The Aztecs cultivated the poinsettia in Mexico. They used the bracts (modified leaves around the flower) for dyes and the latex to counteract fever. The plant also played a part in midwinter celebrations. During the 17th century, Franciscan priests near Taxco observed the plant blooming during the Christmas season. They incorporated the plant into Nativity processions. A botanist and first U.S. minister to Mexico, Joel R. Poinsett, sent some plants home in 1825, to South Carolina as gifts for his friends at the holiday season. As a result, December 12th is National Poinsettia Day and recognizes Poinsett's contribution to history. A national known horticultural family, The Ecke's of Encinitas, California were the true pioneers developing potted and cut-flower cultivars of this modern day plant. Their breeding programs focused on stronger stems, leaf and bract retention, multiple branching, earlier blooming and color variations - better quality plants for you, the consumer. Red is the most common, but many colors are now available.
Select the perfect plant for you. Poinsettias do well in our homes and new colors and new forms are developed every year. From the mini to the topiary tree types, hanging baskets, centerpiece styles and standard sizes of 4", 6", 8",10" and 12" pots, you'll be able to find what suits your needs. Choose plants with dark green, healthy looking leaves and bright (unfaded) bracts. The little yellow flower (cyathia) in the middle of bract should be tight and show a little color. And most important, if the outside temperature is below 40 degrees, the plant should be wrapped or sleeved before transporting. Poinsettias thrive on indirect, natural daylight, at least six hours a day. Protect plants from cold drafts or excessive heat. Keep moderately moist, but never allow to sit in water. No need to fertilizer while in bloom, but later in March a balanced all-purpose plant food should be used monthly. Re-flowering is a little challenging, but a fun project to try. Check out this "Service in Action" sheet written by my friend, Dr. Steven E. Newman and B.E. Edmunds at Colorado State University, simply called ," Poinsettias" Number 7.412 at www.ext.colostate.edu for re-flowering details and further info. Now that we all are educated and excited about the most misunderstood plant for the Holidays, enjoy them in your home, at the office, and in flower arrangements. The perfect plant as a gift to family and friends that convey the Christmas spirit. There are a few other holiday season plants that are truly noteworthy, the amazing Christmas Cactus, the bulbs of Amaryllis and fragrant paper white narcissus. From bright red and white cyclamen to the little pine/spruce trees adorned with bows and ornaments, plants make a the perfect holiday gift that last well into the New Year. Enjoy...The Flower Guy !!!