Holiday Poinsettias

Where did they come from? What makes them popular? And, most important, how can you keep them looking great?

Poinsettiasare a part of theholiday seasonthat everyone takes for granted , likeChristmas trees , clean lights , and fruitcake . But where did they come from ? What makes them democratic ? And , most important , how can you keep them looking great ?

Learn more : Rosemary Plants as Miniature Christmas Trees

Poinsettias ( Euphorbia pulcherrimacvs . ) are aboriginal to Mexico , where the Aztecs used them in the 14th , 15th , and 16th hundred both for medicinal purposes and for making dye . They were enter to the United States in 1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett , the first United States ambassador to Mexico . In addition to politics , Poinsett had a passion for phytology and would wander the countryside look for new and interesting coinage . He is also responsible for for bring in the American elm to Mexico , as well as for establish the Smithsonian Institution in Washington , D.C.

Nowadays , the poinsettia is the better - selling potted plant in the United States , and the vast absolute majority come from one generator , the Paul Ecke Ranch in Encinitas , California . The popularity of the poinsettia as a holiday beautify staple is due all to the penis of the Ecke syndicate , who have work tirelessly for decades to market the plant .

perverse to popular opinion , Euphorbia pulcherrima are not poisonous if ingested . Apparently , the rumor start due to a taradiddle about an army officeholder ’s child who ingested a leaf in 1919 and died soon after . Poinsettia producers have been fight the myth ever since . research worker at Ohio State University have done blanket tests with rats , with no adverse effects . The American Medical Association has also stated that poinsettias are not poisonous . Poinsettias are a part of theEuphorbiafamily , members of which exudate a milky cosh when broken candid . While this saphead is not poisonous if absorb , the sight of it can be alarming and probably add to the myth . In many specie , this sap can cause modest skin rashes .

achiever with poinsettias Begin with selection . Look for a industrial plant with dark - green leaf , completely color in bracts , and no sign of wilting or yellowing . If it ’s dusty outside , make trusted the sales rep you buy the plant from wraps it properly before you take it outside to your gondola . photograph to dusty temperature for even a few minute can prove deadly . When you get your Euphorbia pulcherrima house , unwrap it and place it in a cool , cheery fix away from drafts . weewee whenever the soil feels dry , but never let the pot ride in urine . Always pour off superfluous water from its saucer .

For more entropy on poinsettias , admit tips for making your poinsettia heyday again next year , turn back out the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension’sPoinsettia Pages .

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