Poinsettias originated in Central America and Mexico, and were used by the Aztecs to make a reddish-purple dye for clothing and cosmetics. They made their US debut when John Poinsett, a US ambassador to South America, brought them back to his home state of South Carolina. In 2002, US Congress passed a resolution to make December 12 a National holiday, commemorating the death of John Poinsett, who died on December 12, 1851.
The poinsettia became associated with Christmas when, according to Mexican lore, a young child, Pepita, did not have a gift for the baby Jesus at a Christmas Eve service. She was penniless, so all she could do was pick a bouquet of weeds to offer. The angels felt compassion for her plight. So, after Pepita set the flowers at the crèche of the nativity on Christmas Eve, the angels transformed the weeds into beautiful red flowers. This is why red and green are the colors of Christmas today.
The Ecke family, from southern California, created today’s poinsettia industry and with impressive marketing skills, made the red and green poinsettia synonymous with Christmas. Through various cultivation methods there are now more than 100 varieties of poinsettias available, and they come in an array of colors including red, white, pink, burgundy, yellow and purple.
The beauty of poinsettias can last from Thanksgiving through Christmas, and sometimes even to Valentine’s Day. Some gardeners are not satisfied with this long season of indoor beauty and attempt to save the plants to re-bloom the following winter. Poinsettias can be kept year after year, and they will bloom each year if you give them proper care.
Caring for you Poinsettias
To get off to a good start, protect your new plant from cold temperatures and chilling winds on the way home from the store. Remember that this is a tropical plant, so don’t leave it in a cold car while you run other errands.
At home, place it near a sunny window where it will get bright, indirect light for at least 6 hours a day. Keep it out of direct sun, though, which could fade the leaves. Avoid drafts, keeping temperatures between 65 and 70°F. Overwatering is a common cause of death, so water only when the soil is dry, and don’t let the plant sit in water. No fertilizer is needed while the plant is in bloom.
