The traditional plant is the beautiful poinsettia, Euphorbia Pulcherrima.
The red-flowering varieties are favored, but pinks and white are gaining
in popularity each year. Extensive hybridization in the past few years has
resulted in the introduction of some outstanding new varieties. The improved
strains are especially noted for their much longer flowering period and
for the way in which they hold their lower leaves. Plants may remain in
bloom until April or May.
In 1925, Joel R. Poinsett, a botanist and the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico,
sent some plants to his home in South Carolina. He shared his finds with
other plant enthusiasts. December 12 is National Poinsettia Day and recognizes
Poinsett's contribution to the holiday season. Many people have been instrumental
in establishing poinsettias as a house plant and holiday tradition. Poinsettias
come in many colors and forms. New selections appear every year. Choose
a plant with dark green foliage. However, cultivars with lighter colored
or mottled bracts typically have lighter green foliage.
The poinsettia thrives on bright, sunny natural daylight; at least six hours
daily is recommended. Placement near a sunny window is ideal. To prolong
the bright red of the bracts, temperatures ideally should not exceed 70°
F during the day, or fall below 65° F at night. Be sure to avoid placing
the plants near drafts, fluctuating air currents, excess heat and dry air
from appliances, fireplaces or ventilating ducts. Chilling injury will occur
if poinsettias are exposed to temperatures below 50° F. Frost will kill
them.
Euphorbia leucocephala is a very dependable bloomer over the entire Christmas
season, from Thanksgiving through New Years, and beyond. Sometimes it will
treat you with a second bloom in mid spring.
The flowers are actually very tiny. What makes the bloom so spectacular
are the colored, leaf like bracts that surround the flower. The buds appear
at the end of the branches, with multiple flowers in a group. This gives
it a very dense blooming, covering the entire plant in white.
Select plants with stiff stems, good bract retention and no signs of wilting,
breaking or drooping. Be wary of plants displayed in paper, plastic or mesh
sleeves, or plants that are too closely crowded in a sales display. A poinsettia
needs its space, and the longer a plant remains sleeved, the more the plant
quality will deteriorate. Crowding can reduce air flow around the plants
and cause premature bract loss or other problems. Examine the plant's soil:
it's best to avoid waterlogged soil, particularly if the plant appears wilted.
Such a condition could signify irreversible root rot. When transporting
the plant, protect it from chilling winds and temperatures below 50°
F. Re-inserting the poinsettia into a sleeve or
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