Poinsettias are not only the number one holiday plant, they also are the top flowering potted plant in the United States. Native to Mexico, the poinsettia originated in a rather limited region near present-day Taxco. The Aztecs of Central Mexico cultivated the plant long before the arrival of Europeans. Because of its brilliant color, the poinsettia was considered a symbol of purity.

The Aztecs also had practical uses for the plant. They made a reddish purple dye out of the bracts and a medicine for fever from the plant's latex.

Now poinsettias are a favorite for decorating our homes during the holiday season. Modern poinsettia varieties offer more color variations and are more vigorous and longer lasting.


Select a bright, sunny location if possible. To prolong the color of the bracts, day temperatures should be near 70 degrees F. and nights at least 65 degrees. Therefore, avoid spots where heating vents, fireplaces, and other drafts may cause temperature fluctuations. If you place the plants outside, remember that temperatures below 50 degrees can cause them to drop their leaves, and frost can kill them.

Water plants well and then allow the soil surface to dry to the touch before you water again. Underwatering can certainly be a problem, but it's not nearly as common as overwatering. Soggy, waterlogged roots die, and the plant soon follows!

Poinsettias set buds and produce flowers in response to the shorter days and longer nights in late fall. Full red color normally occurs a bit too late for our holiday season unless steps are taken to artificially initiate it. While possible, it is not easy to coax them into bloom in time for the holidays. Therefore you may not want to bother with trying to maintain them throughout the spring and summer months.

Also known by its beautiful Spanish name of flor de nochebuena, or "flower of Christmas Eve," the poinsettia is indigenous to Central America and tropical Mexico. The story goes that a poor Mexican child on her way to church on Christmas Eve wept because she had no gift to place before the altar of the Virgin and Child. Through her tears, an angel suddenly appeared and instructed her to gather weeds from the roadside. When the child arrived at the altar with her wilted offering, starry crimson "blossoms" burst forth from every stem.

The poinsettia's brilliant seasonal display is actually produced by colored bracts surrounding the real flowers, which appear as an insignificant cluster of yellow berries called "cyathia." The petal-like bracts are modified leaves located at the junction of the flower stalks and main stem. In November and December, these turn vivid shades of red in response to the longer nights.

Water needs. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch. Poke some holes in the fancy wrappers to allow excess water to drain. (Tip: Perforating the bottom of wrappers on all containers swathed in foil will help any gift plant, no matter what type, survive the holidays better.) Soggy roots from standing in water will definitely cause poinsettias to drop their leaves and bracts. Fertilizer isn't needed now.

Warmth and no drafts.Poinsettias require warmth. (A chilled plant will drop its leaves.) The temperature range that keeps them happiest is about 72-75 degrees during the day and 65 degrees at night.

One final note about poinsettias is in order. They are not poisonous! Research at Ohio State University (on test animals at consumption levels equivalent to a 50-pound child eating 500 leaves) found they are not toxic. Mild cases of gastric distress have been reported, and the milky sap can cause skin irritation in some people. But there's no reason to fear having the plants in your home.