What is Poinsettias?

The Poinsettia or noche buena (Euphorbia pulcherrima in scientific term) is a flower species that is indigenous to the Central of America and Mexico. It is considered the most famous flower that are being used around the world.

The poinsettia is shrub or a small tree, the height reaches about 2 to 16 feet or 0.6 to 4 m. The leaf of poinsettia measures about 3 to 6 inches or 7 to 16 cm and comes into different colors, which include the dark green. There are also bracts coloured leaves that most of the time red, orange, pink, pale green, cream marbled or white. Some poinsettias also bloom is lemon, gold splashed and peach coloured leaves. At present, hybridizers spread out the range of colors, from familiar red – pastel yellow & vibrant bi-colors.

Poinsettias are commonly used during Christmas season and sometimes they are considered as the festival plant. They are also used to embellish tables, hallways across the country, mantels as well.

History of Poinsettias

The term poinsettia is named after the US minister and ambassador to Mexico - Joel Roberts Poinsett who 1^st introduced the plant in United States in the year 1825. Due to his love of spiky red dessert flower, Joel Roberts Poinsett 1^st shipped one load in the year 1820 and because of its popularity, the 12^th day of December was declared the National Poinsettia Day.

The scientific term of poinsettia which is Euphorbia pulcherrima has two different meaning. The term Euphorbia came the word Euphorbus who was the Greek physician of the King Juba II during 50 BC to 19 AD in the Numidia or commonly known as the Algeria at present. The term pulcherrima means handsome, beautiful or pretty. During the ancient Aztecs or the Mexican Indians, the poinsettia was recognized as a symbol of purity. After century, early Christians of Mexico espoused the poinsettia as the flower of Christmas Eve.

The Mexican poinsettia is generally known as the Christmas flower in the North America that are commonly used as a Christmas décor – most frequently bright red color which blooms during the Christmas holiday season. In Turkey, the poinsettia is also called as the Ataturk flower.

Taking care of Poinsettias

In providing care to a poinsettia, you need to consider the following; the water, light, heat and humidity. Enough amount of water should be place every time the surface feels dry when you touch, it needs to drain out of the bottom and do not allow the poinsettia flower sit in water. Wilting can cause leaf drop. In providing light, poinsettia should be placed near the sunny window. Either west or east facing windows, they are tropical and they appreciate direct sunlight. Keep the temperature 65 to 74 ° F during the day and 60 ° F at night. For the humidity of the poinsettia, less in dry season - most particularly during winter. The poinsettia tends to be dry in a direct light; frequent watering may be needed every day.