Caring for Your Poinsettia during the Holidays

Nothing says Christmas more than a poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). Did you know that December 12th is known as National Poinsettia Day? Plant breeders have developed a wide range of colors in hues of white, purple, orange, and pink, but red poinsettias continue to be the most traditional color of the holiday season.

Poinsettias originate from Mexico and Central America. In 1825, Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett of South Carolina was named the first United States ambassador to Mexico. While there, he became interested in plants. In 1820’s, he collected poinsettias in southern Mexico and sent them back to South Carolina. Later, the plants were called “Poinsettias” in honor of Dr. Poinsett’s discovery. He also sent plant specimens to John Bartram, a well-known botanist in Philadelphia. Poinsettias were first sold as cut flowers by Robert Buist of Pennsylvania. In the early 1900’s, poinsettias were sold as potted plants by the Ecke Nursery in California. The Ecke family was responsible for promoting the plants as the Christmas symbol we all know today.

The first step is making sure you purchase a healthy plant. Select a poinsettia that has dark green leaves, deeply colored bracts, healthy yellow flowers in the center, strong stems, a balanced shape, and no yellow or wilted leaves. When you bring your poinsettia home, place it in a well-lit, east-facing window, where it will receive good morning sunlight, but be shaded in the afternoon. Do not let the foliage touch the cold glass of the window, as that will damage the plant. Poinsettias do best in temperatures between 65 to 75 °F. Do not place where a heat vent blows directly on the plant. If poinsettias are exposed to temperatures that are too cold or too hot, the leaves will