Poinsettias flood the market during the winter holidays, claiming the title of best-selling potted flowering plant. Those bracts also caught the attention of horticulturists. At that time, the legend of the little Pepita was born, forever mixing the red and green colors to Christmas folklore in a story in which Poinsettias and Christmas come together. Mature specimens can grow to be so large and lanky that they almost resemble vines. They produced a fuller, more compact plant by grafting two varieties of poinsettia together. Populations were once found in rolling hill areas, though many have gone extinct. Poinsettias are absolutely everywhere during the holidays, and for good reason! 2. [27] There are over 100 cultivated varieties of poinsettia that have been patented in the US. The poinsettia is native to Southern Mexico and has been used in religious ceremonies for centuries. Drafts, as well as low temperatures, waterlogged soil, and drought, can cause the lower leaves of the poinsettia to turn yellow and fall from the plant. [29] The discovery of the role phytoplasmas play in the growth of axillary buds is credited to Ing-Ming Lee of the USDA Agricultural Research Service. [18] Crimson blossoms sprouted from the weeds and became poinsettias. If you really want to keep your poinsettia around for another year and insist on keeping it indoors, there is a way to bring it back after it goes through dormancy. [8] Cultivation in the US began when diplomat Joel Roberts Poinsett sent some of the plants back to his greenhouses in South Carolina in the 1820s. Plants die back to the ground and come back from the roots in the spring if these don't freeze. Fungal diseases affecting greenhouse poinsettia operations include Pythium root rot, Rhizoctonia root and stem rot, black root rot, scab, powdery mildew, and Botrytis blight. They were cultivated by the Aztecs for use in traditional medicine. Its range is about 2,000 km (1,200 mi) long, encompassing mid-elevation tropical dry forests. This has not been documented in wild poinsettias though, as cultivars seldom flower and do not produce fruits. They are also found in the interior of Mexico in the hot, seasonally dry forests of Gurerro and Oxaca. [9] Prior to poinsettia, it was known as "Mexican flame flower" or "painted leaf". This latex helps conserve moisture within the plant and deters animals and insects from eating the plant, since … Poinsettias are one of the most popular plants to gift to loved ones come Christmas time. Poinsettias are shrubs or small trees, with heights of 0.6–4 m (2.0–13.1 ft). Poinsettias are cheery plants that are widely grown indoors over Christmas for their brightly coloured bracts. Further south in Peru and Chile, the poinsettia was nicknamed the “Crown of the Andes.” Many traditions and legends adorn the poinsettia plant history. One population in the Mexican state of Guerrero is much further inland, however, and is thought to be the ancestor of most cultivated populations. It is a scraggly shrub that lives in seasonally dry tropical forests. Size of the plant – A larger Poinsettia needs more water than the smaller ones. Poinsettias are native to Mexico. The holotype had been collected in Mexico during an 1803–1804 expedition by Alexander von Humboldt and Aimé Bonpland. Although it's probably not a good idea to have a competitive-eating contest with poinsettia bracts since they could cause diarrhea, research has shown that a child could consume as many as 500 poinsettia bracts without any toxic effects [source: Perry].A tot who … The Aztecs found this plant blooming in winter, and they named it cuetlaxochitl. If ingested, mild drooling or vomiting can occur, or rarely, diarrhea. Its natural habitat is thus highly fragmented, particularly near metropolitan areas such as Taxco. The flowers themselves are small, yellow, and not much to look at with the naked eye. Poinsettia. As many of you know, the poinsettias we use to decorate our homes never reach the same sizes as their wild counterparts. If you follow these precise directions, your poinsettias should be getting … They became associated with the Christmas holiday and are popular seasonal decorations. Enjoy Them Again! Poinsettias are famous the world over for the splash of color they provide indoor spaces during the colder months of the year. [13], The tropical dry forests where wild poinsettias grow experience largely unregulated deforestation, resulting in habitat loss. In 92.4% of calls, there was no effect from exposure, and in 3.4% of calls there were minor effects, defined as "minimally bothersome". These shrubs flower throughout winter and into spring. [7], Euphorbia pulcherrima is a shrub or small tree, typically reaching a height of 0.6–4 metres (2–13 ft). They're beautiful, festive, and easy to take care of. The poinsettia was described as a new species in 1834 by German scientist Johann Friedrich Klotzsch. 'Kingfisher Books' ' 1992's 'The Christmas Collection' notes that an alternative name for the plant is "Fire flowers of the Holy Night". They are actually leafy bracts. No one quite knows the exact origin of our cultivated house guests but the species itself is native to the mountains of the Pacific slope of Mexico. There is a somewhat anomalous population of wild poinsettias in the northern part of the Mexican state of Guerrero and Oaxaca, which is much further inland in the hot and seasonally dry forests than the rest of the species' range. Yes, they are a major staple when it comes to the holiday season, but with a little TLC, your poinsettias can look gorgeous all year-round. In fact, the whole function of these bracts is to save energy on flower production by coloring up leaves that are already in place. They are sometimes referred to as the Christmas Star due to the shape of their leaves, fanning out into a stunning cosmic inspired shape. What exactly is a poinsettia and where do they come from? During cold weather, keep it in a cool room with indirect sunlight. The poinsettia is native to Southern Mexico and has been used in religious ceremonies for centuries. [14], Poinsettias are popularly, though incorrectly, said to be toxic to humans and other animals. [20] The star-shaped leaf pattern is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, and the red color represents the blood sacrifice of Jesus's crucifixion. Poinsettias are plants just like any other, though, and they can be grown from seed. The red leafy plant blooms in December and has a rich history with the holiday season. Sure, soaking your poinsettia’s soil is the best way … The colored bracts—which are normally flaming red, with cultivars being orange, pale green, cream, pink, white, or marbled—are often mistaken for flower petals because of their groupings and colors, but are actually leaves. The key to the color change lies in Earth’s axial tilt. Keep reading to learn about collecting poinsettia seed and … A Newly Described Fungus That Mimics Flowers, A Rare Succulent Member of the Milkweed Family. Poinsettias do best in full fall sun and the bracts (colored leaves below the flowers) obtain their deepest color in good light. As the northern hemisphere begins to tilt away from the sun, days grow shorter. [24][25], The Aztecs were the first to cultivate poinsettias. … [10] In Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, the plant is called Cuetlaxochitl, meaning "flower that grows in residues or soil"[10] Today it is known in Mexico and Guatemala as flor de Nochebuena, meaning Christmas Eve flower. [10], The plant's association with Christmas began in 16th-century Mexico, where legend tells of a girl, commonly called Pepita or María, who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus' birthday and was inspired by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar. If you look after your poinsettia properly, you should be able to keep it growing until next Christmas. [10][11] The colors of the bracts are created through photoperiodism, meaning that they require darkness (at least fourteen hours at a time for 6–8 weeks in a row) to change color. All too often, people throw their poinsettias away once the holiday season is over, not realizing that the plant still has plenty of life in it. In 1970 the US Food and Drug Administration published a newsletter stating erroneously that "one poinsettia leaf can kill a child", and in 1980 they were prohibited from nursing homes in a county in North Carolina due to this supposed toxicity. Condsider keeping these wonderful plants in your home for another year. They prefer to be kept on the cool side, 65°-70° during the day and 55°-60° at night. In captivity, this change is mimicked by plunging plants into complete darkness for a minimum of 12 hours per day. Why are poinsettias associated with Christmas? Whereas most plants hailing from Euphorbiacea or spurge family contain toxic sap, the sap of E. pulcherrima is very mild in its toxicity and an absurd amount of plant material would have to be consumed to suffer any serious side effects. Another aspect worth considering about this species is its sap. Population sizes are frequently very small, with as few as a dozen individuals. Specific details about its spread from there are largely unverifiable, but it was exhibited at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in 1829 by Colonel Robert Carr. [23] In the US, December 12 is National Poinsettia Day, marking the anniversary of Joel Roberts Poinsett's death. [4] Similarly, a cat or dog's exposure to poinsettias rarely necessitates medical treatment. The name "poinsettia" is seemingly synonymous with the holiday season. [6], It was known by the common name "poinsettia" as early as 1836,[7] derived from Joel Roberts Poinsett, a botanist and the first US Minister to Mexico. Populations can be up to several hundred individuals, but this is not typical. [15] In 1944, the plant was included in H. R. Arnold's book Poisonous Plants of Hawaii on this premise. The reason for this is because all cultivated poinsettias have been purposely infected with a bacteria that stunts their growth, keeping them small and compact. Ambassador to Mexico, Doctor Joel Poinsett, sent a clipping of the plant back to home in South Carolina. As a member of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) poinsettias have a milky sap. The poinsettia is from the deserts of Mexico. If you follow their natural daylight cycle, you may just coax some color out of them for many winters to come. Poinsettias are familiar plants around the winter holidays. [13] Each year in the US, approximately 70 million poinsettias are sold in a period of six weeks, at a value of US$250 million. Back to Top. What exactly is a poinsettia and where do they come from? At the same time, changes within the leafy bracts cause them to start producing pigments. You should get into habit of inspecting its leaves. Damp-If you find the soil is still wet, do not water your poinsettia. The poinsettia's flowers are actually the small yellow buds in its centre! [19] From the 17th century, Franciscan friars in Mexico included the plants in their Christmas celebrations. The quintessential floral symbol of Christmas across North America, the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a tropical shrub native to Mexico, where it is known as the flor de Nochebuena. He became intrigued by the plant and sold them from street stands. To get poinsettias to produce their signature red leaves, the plant will need 14 hours of continuous, uninterrupted darkness followed by 10 hours of bright light every day for two months (or more). [16] Contact with any part of the plant by children or pets often has no effect, though it may cause nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting if swallowed. Most wild populations are on Pacific-facing slopes in steep canyons. The red leafy plant blooms in December and has a rich history with the holiday season. With all of the focus on those colorful bracts, it is also easy to lose sight of the fact that these plants have wild origins. Festive in their holiday colors, poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are favorite houseplants, especially during fall and winter months. It is particularly well known for its red and green foliage and is widely used in Christmas floral displays. DON’T Let Your Poinsettia Stand in Water. White, orange, pink and speckled blends are just some of the Poinsettias grown. Genetic analyses showed that the wild populations in northern Guerrero are the likely ancestors of most cultivated poinsettias. If they're turning yellow or falling off, you're … Many of these poinsettias are grown by the Ecke family business, which serves half the worldwide market and 70% of the US market. Bacterial diseases include bacterial soft rot and bacterial canker, while a viral disease is Poinsettia mosaic virus. A conservation risk typical for species with wild and cultivated populations is the contamination of the wild gene pool by hybridization with cultivated individuals. A poinsettia left to grow on its own will naturally take an open, somewhat weedy look. Color is initiated by exposing the plants to complete darkness for 12 hours a day, starting in October. It is the first known phytoplasma that has economically advantageous effects. Which is odd, considering they used poinsettia latex as a hair removal cream. Skin exposure to the sap may cause itchiness, redness, or swelling. These colorful plants first appeared in the U.S. in the 19th century, when the first U.S. [10] In Chile and Peru, the plant became known as Crown of the Andes. Wild poinsettia populations are highly fragmented, as their habitat is experiencing largely unregulated deforestation. They are often disposed of once they start to fade, but with a little care, you can keep them all year and the bracts will colour up again the following year. Wild poinsettias occur from Mexico to southern Guatemala, growing on mid-elevation, Pacific-facing slopes. [13], Aztec people use the plant to produce red dye and as an antipyretic medication. Poinsettias are originally from Central America, and the plant was known to thrive in southern Mexico, where it was called Taxco del Alarcon. Growing Requirements for Poinsettia Plants Poinsettias require medium to bright light, but never full sun. It is particularly well known for its red and green foliage and is widely used in Christmas floral displays. As of 2012, wild poinsettias are not protected by Mexican law. However, don’t expect it to come back with the same beauty and color that it did the previous year, as that is nearly impossible to do, even with the most precise care and commitment. The plants also require abundant light during the day for the brightest color. Ambassador to Mexico, Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, discovered it in the wilderness of southern Mexico and brought cuttings of … Poinsettias are almost always found around Christmas time as fully grown potted plants to be given as gifts. As soon as the days start to grow longer than the nights, the plants switch out of reproductive mode and the dazzling color fades. ex Klotzsch. In 1828, the U.S. They are so common that it is all too easy to write them off as another disposable houseplant whose only purpose is to dazzle us with a few short weeks of reds and whites. During warm weather, you can keep your poinsettia outdoors in the shade, but you’ll need to bring it inside for the fall and winter. Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, the poinsettia was first described by Europeans in 1834. [28][10][11], To produce extra axillary buds that are necessary for plants containing multiple flowers, a phytoplasma infection—whose symptoms include the proliferation of axillary buds—is used. Ventilation is important, but keep the plant away from drafts. It derives its common English name from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico, who is credited with introducing the plant to the US in the 1820s. The plant bears dark green dentate leaves that measure 7–16 centimetres (2.8–6.3 in) in length. Poinsettia is the common name given to a species of shrub known scientifically as Euphorbia pulcherrima . However, take a hand lens to them and you will reveal rather intriguing little structures. [7], The poinsettia is the world's most economically important potted plant. [8] Possibly as early as 1826, Poinsett began sending poinsettias from Mexico back to his greenhouses in South Carolina. So there you have it, some food for thought if you feel the urge to purge some spurge in a post-holiday cleanse. They are most commonly used for decorating during the winter holidays, but are also attractive as green plants throughout the year. [23], Poinsettias are susceptible to several diseases, mostly fungal, but also bacterial and parasitic. They will lose leaves if they are exposed to temperatures below 50° or above 80°. The familiar red plant, native to Mexico, has been joined by even flashier hues, thanks to hybridizers that have expanded the range of colors from the familiar scarlet to pastel yellow and vibrant pink. Poinsettia plants remain one of the most popular holiday plants, synonymous with Christmas decor and festive cheer. When the days become shorter than the nights, the plants go into full reproductive mode. The Ecke family's business, now led by Paul Ecke III, decided to stop producing plants in the US, but as of 2008, they still served about 70 percent of the domestic market and 50 percent of the worldwide market. Since then, many different varieties have been … In turn, poinsettia plants begin to mature their flowers. [3] A survey of more than 20,000 calls to the American Association of Poison Control Centers from 1985–1992 related to poinsettia exposure showed no fatalities. It has been hypothesized that the inaccessibility of the canyons may protect the wild populations from human disturbance. [31], In the late 1980s, university researcher John Dole[32] discovered the method previously known only to the Eckes and published it, allowing competitors to flourish, particularly those using low-cost labor in Latin America. [17], The poinsettia occurs in Central America, occurring from Mexico to southern Guatemala. Caring for a Poinsettia With Dropped Leaves. His son, Paul Ecke, developed the grafting technique, but it was the third generation of Eckes, Paul Ecke Jr., who was responsible for advancing the association between the plant and Christmas. The red leafy plant blooms in December and has a rich history with the holiday season. Come back the next day for another soil check. In rare cases, exposure to the eye may result in eye irritation. No one quite knows the exact origin of our cultivated house guests but the species itself is native to the mountains of the Pacific slope of Mexico. He also appeared on television programs like The Tonight Show and Bob Hope's Christmas specials to promote the plants. Location of the pot – A plant sitting in bright areas usually dry fast. The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a commercially important plant species of the diverse spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). What we think of as large, showy, red and white flower petals are not petals at all. Poinsettia is the common name given to a species of shrub known scientifically as Euphorbia pulcherrima. Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, the poinsettia was first described by Europeans in 1834. [5] Klotzsch credited Carl Ludwig Willdenow with the species name "pulcherrima", and the authority is given as Willd. Every year in the US, approximately 70 million poinsettias of many cultivated varieties are sold in a six-week period. [13] All flowers in the Euphorbiaceae are unisexual (either male or female only), and they are often very small in size. Like a vast majority of Euphorbia species, E. pulcherrima produces a special type of inflorescence called a cyathium. If they don’t have to produce pigments, they won’t and for much of the year, the bracts are largely green. Exposure to the plant, even consumption, most often results in no effect,[4] though it can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.[3]. They are grouped within the cyathia (small yellow structures found in the center of each leaf bunch, or false flowers). There is also a species that is used as a cut flower. How to Revive a Dying Poinsettia. Infection by poinsettia branch-inducing phytoplasma is actually desirable, as it keeps the plants shorter with more flowers. [21], Poinsettias are popular Christmas decorations[22] in homes, churches, offices, and elsewhere across North America, as a result of an extensive marketing campaign by the Ecke family that began by shipping free poinsettias to television stations for use on-air. In Euphorbia, the flowers are reduced even more and then aggregated into an inflorescence or cluster of flowers. These plants produce brightly colored bracts -- modified leaves -- that turn red, pink or white during the holiday season. [10] Nothing is known about pollination in wild poinsettias, though wasps are noted to occasionally visit the cyathia. The poinsettia is native to Southern Mexico and has been used in religious ceremonies for centuries. Pull Up the Covers When poinsettias need … Though Arnold later admitted that the story was hearsay and that poinsettias were not proven to be poisonous, the plant was thus thought deadly. Native Mexicans deemed the poinsettia’s brilliant color a symbol of purity. It was introduced to the States by US Ambassador Joel Robert Poinsett after he discovered them growing wild in parts of Mexico in 1825. Mexico - Poinsettias and Christmas go together like eggnog and nutmeg. Native to Mexico, poinsettias are in the Euphorbia family and are a popular holiday plant because of their colorful bracts (leaves). Because of their beauty, E. pulcherrima is one of the most widely cultivated plants in human history. The poinsettia (/pɔɪnˈsɛtiə/ or /pɔɪnˈsɛtə/)[1][2] (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a commercially important plant species of the diverse spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). [26] In Puerto Rico, where poinsettias are grown extensively in greenhouses, the industry is valued at $5 million annually. Poinsettias’ main attraction are the colorful bracts, leafy structures that grow around the flowers in shades of brilliant red, white, and pink, and sometimes even orange, yellow, and purple. Poinsettias are native to Mexico, which means the United States Department of Agriculture poinsettia growing zones are only 9 to 11. [4] This misconception was spread by a 1919 urban legend of a two-year-old child dying after consuming a poinsettia leaf. Red is the most popular color, but every few years Poinsettia breeders come out with new colors. Change your watering routine by considering these things. The Eckes' technique made it possible to get every seedling to branch, resulting in a bushier plant. Their bright colors chase winter’s gloom from the dark corners of the home and their ease of care make these plants perfect for interior gardening. A common myth that has existed for generations is that a poinsettia's leaves are poisonous. Though often stated to be highly toxic, the poinsettia is not dangerous[3] to pets or children. Though poinsettia may look like flowers, they're … [10] In Spain it is known as Flor de Pascua or Pascua, meaning Easter flower. They used the plant to extract a purple dye, which was then used for coloring textiles and imparting color to cosmetics. External exposure to the plant may result in a skin rash for some. What the flowers lack in showy display is made up for by the colorful bracts, which serve similar functions as petals in that their stunning colors are there to attract potential pollinators. Ambassador to Mexico, Doctor Joel Poinsett, sent a clipping of the plant back to home in South Carolina. They were the first to begin using Poinsettias at the holidays during their Nativity ceremonies. In 1828, the U.S. Conditions that promote poinsettia propagation also favor certain diseases. You can't go wrong with classic red ones, but each year it seems like there are more and more interesting varieties to choose from, too.When you're looking to add these popular plants to your Christmas decor, there are a few tricks to … [12], The flowers of the poinsettia are unassuming and do not attract pollinators. [33], Species of flowering plant in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae, American Association of Poison Control Centers, "Beschreibung zweier neuen Euphorbien aus Mexico", "The Poinsettia: History and Transformation", "Poinsettia's wild ancestor in the Mexican dry tropics: Historical, genetic, and environmental evidence", "The Legends and Traditions of Holiday Plants | Horticulture and Home Pest News", "The Legends and Traditions of Holiday Plants", "The poinsettia: Jesus' life story in a plant", "The bloom is off the poinsettia business", "How America's Most Popular Potted Plant Captured Christmas", "First Report of Wilt and Stem Canker of Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) Caused by Phytophthora nicotianae in Puerto Rico", "Poinsettias: Helping an Icon to Bloom at the Right Time", "How Poinsettias Became Synonymous With Christmas", Plant Pathology Fact Sheet: Poinsettia Diseases, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Poinsettia&oldid=1001488713, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 19 January 2021, at 22:33. It derives its common English name from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico, who is credited with introducing the plant to t… Certainly it serves an anti-herbivore purpose in the wild, however, as long as you're not a tiny insect or a gluttonous deer, you have nothing to worry about from this species at least. [23], Besides changing the market from mature plants shipped by rail to cuttings sent by air, he sent free plants to television stations for them to display on air from Thanksgiving to Christmas. [23], Until the 1990s, the Ecke family, who had moved their operation to Encinitas, California, in 1923, had a virtual monopoly on poinsettias owing to a technique that made their plants much more attractive. They are found in the wild in deciduous tropical forest at moderate elevations from southern Sinaloa down the entire Pacific coast of Mexico to Chiapas and Guatemala. As many a poinsettia owner has come to realize, the bracts do not stay colored up all year. [30], Albert Ecke emigrated from Germany to Los Angeles in 1900, opening a dairy and orchard in the Eagle Rock area. Both red- and white-colored bracts have been found in the wild. [4], An attempt to determine a poisonous dose of poinsettia to rats failed, even after reaching experimental doses equivalent to consuming 500 leaves, or nearly 1 kg (2.2 lb) of sap. Step 2 : Answer to the question "What country does the poinsettia come from?