Denny's Soapbox

I don’t think it would be Christmas without a certain flower. Poinsettia, the official Christmas plant is very popular and showy in many American homes. It was first introduced to the United States in 1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett, the first US Ambassador to Mexico who obtained plants from the wilds of southern Mexico. This native Mexican plant was thought of as an obnoxious weed that spread all over southern Mexico but was soon domesticated when brought to the U.S. by our wonderful plant breeders. Improvements to this plant over the years have brought about poinsettias of not only red, but white, pink, rose, apricot – even marbled and ruffled. The poinsettias of today keep their color for months. They’re more compact and just all around more beautiful than the ones your mom enjoyed.

What! Paint my Poinsettia?

The newest Poinsettias now available to the consumer are the new ‘Painted’ Poinsettias. Using a corn based tint, Growers can now produce what might be called designer Poinsettias in a rainbow of colors. There is literally a color for everyone. Burgundy, orange, lavender speckled, blue and white, there is almost no limit to color combinations. Once white, apricot, or light pink Poinsettias start to color up, the bracts are sprayed with a combination of color tints that do not harm the plant. “Because they can be created in any color, schools are using them for concerts and award ceremonies. Businesses are ordering them in company colors for holiday events. Most greenhouse retailers have them on display for you to view.

Poinsettia care in your Home

When purchasing or giving as a gift, be sure that your plant is fully wrapped and sleeved when transporting it outdoors. Most Poinsettias are sold with foil around the pot. Either take the foil off at home or at least punch holes in the foil to match drain holes in the pot for good drainage. Keep your plant moist, but not wet. When the soil in the pot feels dry to the touch, place the plant in the kitchen sink and turn on lukewarm water and water the plant till water starts coming out of drain holes. Leave in the sink till all excess water has run out and place your poinsettia back in its place. Never leave any water in a pot saucer if you use one.

What’s the Best Place?

Your Poinsettia will do best in a room with good natural light, a room you could read this article at noon without turning on a light. Keep the room temperature between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure the location is away from a heat vent or working fireplace and away from an opening to the outside. Follow these simple rules and you can expect your Poinsettia to display color for several months.

Now back to the beginning. Many consumers in the tri-state pronounce this beautiful plant “Pointsetta”. Now that you’ve seen how far this flower has come and how to care for it, let’s take out that extra “T” and add an “I” and have a wonderful holiday!