The poinsettia, with its vibrant red bracts and lush green foliage, is an undeniable symbol of the holiday season. This festive plant has adorned homes, churches, and public spaces for decades, but its history, care, and versatility often go overlooked. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about poinsettias, from their origins to how to keep them thriving.

The Origins of the Poinsettia

The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is native to Mexico and Central America. The Aztecs, who called it “Cuetlaxochitl,” used the plant for its bright red color to create dyes and its milky sap for medicinal purposes.

The poinsettia became associated with Christmas through a Mexican legend. The story tells of a poor child who offered a bundle of green weeds as a gift to the baby Jesus during a Christmas service. When placed at the altar, the weeds miraculously bloomed into bright red flowers, symbolizing the “Flores de Noche Buena” (Flowers of the Holy Night).

The plant was introduced to the United States in 1828 by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico. Today, December 12th is celebrated as National Poinsettia Day in his honor.

Choosing the Perfect Poinsettia

When selecting a poinsettia, look for:

• Healthy Bracts – The colorful bracts (commonly mistaken for petals) should be vibrant and unblemished.
• Dark Green Leaves – Healthy foliage indicates a well-cared-for plant.
• Tight Cyathia – The true flowers in the center of the bracts should be small and green or yellow. Once they’ve opened and shed pollen, the plant’s lifespan shortens.

How to Care for Your Poinsettia

With proper care, your poinsettia can stay vibrant throughout the holiday season and even rebloom the following year.

Light
Place your poinsettia in bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.

Temperature
Keep the plant in a warm room (60–70°F). Avoid drafts, cold windows, or placing it near heat sources like radiators.

Watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.

Humidity
Poinsettias thrive in moderate humidity. If your home is dry, consider using a humidity tray or misting occasionally.

Poinsettias After the Holidays

While many people discard poinsettias after the holidays, they can be kept as houseplants or even rebloomed with some effort.

Post-Holiday Care

1. Prune the plant back to about 6 inches in height after the bracts fade.
2. Re-pot in spring with fresh soil and begin fertilizing every 2 weeks.
3. Move Outdoors: Once nighttime temperatures stay above 55°F, place your poinsettia outdoors in a partially shaded area.

Reblooming Poinsettias
To encourage poinsettias to rebloom for the next holiday season, follow these steps:

1. In October, provide 14–16 hours of complete darkness each night by placing the plant in a dark closet or covering it with a box.
2. During the day, give it bright light and maintain normal watering.
3. After 8–10 weeks, the plant should develop colorful bracts once again.

Are Poinsettias Poisonous?

A common myth is that poinsettias are highly toxic to pets and humans. While the plant’s sap can cause mild irritation or an upset stomach if ingested, it is generally not considered deadly. However, it’s still best to keep poinsettias out of reach of curious pets and children.

Fun Facts About Poinsettias

• Poinsettias are the best-selling potted plant in the United States, with over 35 million sold each year.
• They come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, marbled, and even speckled varieties.
• In their native habitat, poinsettias can grow up to 15 feet tall as shrubs!

Bring Holiday Cheer with Poinsettias

The poinsettia is more than just a holiday decoration—it’s a living piece of history and culture. With proper care, you can enjoy this beautiful plant well beyond the Christmas season.