Where do poinsettia plants originate from?

Joel Roberts Poinsett introduced the poinsettia plant to the United States from Mexico. Poinsett was a botanist, physician and the first United States Ambassador to Mexico. In Mexico the poinsettia is a perennial shrub that will grow 10-15 feet tall. There are more than 100 varieties of poinsettias available today.

Also, what is the history of the poinsettia plant?

Poinsettias at Christmas. Poinsettia plants are native to Central America, especially an area of southern Mexico known as 'Taxco del Alarcon' where they flower during the winter. The ancient Aztecs called them 'cuetlaxochitl'.

Furthermore, are poinsettias religious? Poinsettias were also used in Aztec religious ceremonies since the Aztecs considered the color red a symbol of purity. Poinsettias, also known as the "lobster flower" or "Mexican flame leaf," bloom in December, making them an ideal holiday flower.

One may also ask, what part of the poinsettia is the flower?

The flowers of the plant are the yellow clustered buds in the center (termed “cyathia”). The colored leafy parts are actually bracts or modified leaves, that turn color in response to the plant forming flowers. When buying a poinsettia, make sure it has the buds, preferably not yet open.

What country is the poinsettia with its red and green foliage native to?

Indigenous to Central America, it was described as a new species in 1834. It is particularly well known for its red and green foliage and is widely used in Christmas floral displays.

25 Related Question Answers Found

Are poinsettias bad luck?

Poinsettias Are Not Poisonous

As with all ornamental plants, poinsettias are not intended for human or animal consumption.

Are poinsettias good luck?

The Poinsettia is a typical plant of Christmas, is originally from Mexico, may be found in many stores specializing in gardening and have noticed that some years ago even in a Chinese store (lack only sell meat and fish). It has been said that this plant brings good luck to whoever is the give if handle with affection.

Are poinsettias only for Christmas?

Other fowering plants have become part of the festive scene, but poinsettias alone remain unchallenged as the traditional flower of Christmas. It also is significant that the poinsettia not only is the most popular Christmas plant but also is the No. 1 flowering potted plant in the United States.

What are poinsettias used for?

Poinsettia is a flowering plant. The whole plant and its sap (latex) are used to make medicine. Despite safety concerns, people take poinsettia to treat fever, stimulate breast milk production, and cause an abortion. They also take the latex to kill pain, kill bacteria, and cause vomiting.

How do you care for poinsettias indoors?

Water: Poinsettias like moist, but not wet, soil. When the top of the soil becomes dry, add room temperature water to the plant. Allow the water to drain through the pot when watering, and then discard any excess water in the saucer.

Do Poinsettias smell?

Poinsettias, you remember, come from the tropics, and they like 70-degree days, and nights that don't get any chillier than 65. That's what poinsettias do for you. They clean the air. Specifically, they wipe out formaldehyde that you can't see or smell, but you certainly don't want.

What is a Christmas flower?

The Mexican poinsettia, known as the Christmas Flower in North America, is used in most Christmas decorations, owing to its bright red color and its blooming season coinciding with the Christmas holiday season.

Is a poinsettia poisonous to dogs?

Though they have a bad rap, poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) plants are only mildly toxic to cats and dogs. While poinsettias are commonly “hyped” as poisonous plants, they rarely are, and the poisoning is greatly exaggerated. When ingested, mild signs of vomiting, drooling, or rarely, diarrhea may be seen.

Can you touch a poinsettia?

The plant does not have dangerous effects when eaten. In most cases, exposure to any parts of the poinsettia plant in children or pets has very little if any effect. If swallowed, it may cause mild irritation: nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Touching it may cause a rash.

Can you keep a poinsettia year round?

Poinsettias can be kept year after year, and they will bloom each year if you give them proper care. When the leaves begin to yellow or when the plant is no longer desired as an ornamental, gradually withhold water. Keep the plant somewhat on the dry side; water only enough to keep the stems from withering.

How long can you keep a poinsettia alive?

Today's poinsettias can last longer than ever, often for months. To help yours stay pretty, follow this advice from Ron Wolford, creator of the Poinsettia Pages: Place your poinsettia in indirect light after bringing it home. Poinsettias need six hours of light daily (fluorescent light will work).

How do you water a poinsettia plant?

How to Water a poinsettia

Fully Dry. If the soil is dry all the way through and the pot feels light when picked up, soak the plant in the sink.
Half Dry. If the top inch of soil feels dry but underneath is damp, a light water to top up is ideal - aim to keep the soil damp throughout at all times.

Does Home Depot sell poinsettias?

Live Poinsettia (In-Store Only)-6INP2013 - The Home Depot.

What plant associated with Christmas has the scientific name viscum album?

mistletoe

What is the traditional meat for Christmas dinner in England?

Traditional Christmas dinner features turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and vegetables such as carrots, turnip, parsnips, etc. Other types of poultry, roast beef, or ham are also used.

Where did the term Xmas come from?

It is sometimes pronounced /ˈ?ksm?s/, but Xmas, and variants such as Xtemass, originated as handwriting abbreviations for the typical pronunciation /ˈkr?sm?s/. The "X" comes from the Greek letter Chi, which is the first letter of the Greek word Christós (Χριστός), which became Christ in English.

What is the difference between Noche Buena and Media Noche?

On December 31 (Bisperas ng Bagong Taón), Filipino families gather for the Media Noche a lavish midnight feast that supposedly symbolises their hopes for prosperity in the coming year, and lasts until the following morning as with the Noche Buena taken on Christmas Eve.