Poinsettias And Christmas - History Of Poinsettias

The reason we associate poinsettias with the holidays comes from an old Mexican legend. A young girl named Pepita was sad that she didn't have a gift to leave for the baby Jesus at Christmas Eve services. ... From that day on, they became known as “Flores de Noche Buena,” or “Flowers of the Holy Night.”

1. What is the significance of poinsettia at Christmas?
2. What does poinsettia plant symbolize?
3. What is the legend of the poinsettia and Christmas in Mexico?
4. What is the legend of the poinsettia?
5. What do you do with poinsettias after Christmas?
6. Can a poinsettia live all year?
7. What does a white poinsettia mean?
8. Do poinsettias like sun or shade?
9. Is poinsettia a lucky plant?
10. Who started the American tradition of poinsettia at Christmas?
11. What flower represents Christmas?
12. How long do Christmas poinsettias last?
13. How do you get a poinsettia to turn red again?
14. Do white poinsettias turn red?
15. How do you keep poinsettias alive all year?
16. Do poinsettias clean the air?
17. When should you cut back poinsettias?
18. Can dogs die from poinsettias?
19. Why are the leaves falling off my poinsettia?
20. At what temperature will poinsettias suffer damage?
21. Do poinsettias like coffee grounds?

What is the significance of poinsettia at Christmas?

The shape of the poinsettia flower and leaves are sometimes thought as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to Jesus. The red colored leaves symbolize the blood of Christ. The white leaves represent his purity. The Poinsettia is also the national emblem of Madagascar.

What does poinsettia plant symbolize?

While considered by the ancient Aztecs to be symbols of purity, in today's language of flowers, red, white or pink poinsettias, the December birth flower, symbolize good cheer and success and are said to bring wishes of mirth and celebration.

What is the legend of the poinsettia and Christmas in Mexico?

Poinsettias' association with Christmas began in 16^th century Mexico, where legend tells of a girl, commonly called Pepita or Maria, who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus' birthday, was inspired by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside and place them at the church altar.

What is the legend of the poinsettia?

Legend of the Poinsettia is based on the story of little Maria did not have a gift for the Baby Jesus. All she could find was a handful of weeds...but, because she gave from her heart, the weeds turned into beautiful red flowers. This is the story of the Poinsettia, the Christmas plant.

What do you do with poinsettias after Christmas?

Toss the poinsettia when you grow tired of it or it becomes unattractive. For those home gardeners who enjoy a challenge, it is possible to get the poinsettia to bloom again next season. Cut the stems back to within 4 to 6 inches of the soil in March. The poinsettia may also be repotted at this time.

Can a poinsettia live all year?

Poinsettias can be kept year after year, and they will bloom each year if you give them proper care. ... The bracts (colorful leaves just below the true flowers) will be the last to go.

What does a white poinsettia mean?

What Do White Poinsettias Mean? White poinsettias were once considered to be symbols of purity by the Aztecs, but now it's now the flower for December birthdays. The poinsettia is also said to be a symbol of good cheer, success, and bring with them wishes of happiness and celebrations.

Do poinsettias like sun or shade?

Poinsettias need a minimum of six hours of indirect sunlight each day. Protect the plants from freezing temperatures, especially when transporting them. Place them in a light-filled room away from drafts. They do best in rooms between 55 and 65 F at night and 65 to 70 F during the day.

Is poinsettia a lucky plant?

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.

Who started the American tradition of poinsettia at Christmas?

Poinsettias get their American name from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, who brought them to the states from Mexico in the early 1800s. They didn't become traditional holiday decorations until the entrepreneurial Ecke family started promoting them a century later.

What flower represents Christmas?

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.

How long do Christmas poinsettias last?

"Home gardeners generally keep their poinsettias one or two years. If they're really dedicated, maybe a little longer. But the life span for interior plants when you live in the North is measured in months, not years."

How do you get a poinsettia to turn red again?

Help your poinsettia to turn red by placing it in total darkness for 14 hours each day, starting eight weeks before you want to display it. During the day, the plant needs bright light, but it should be placed in complete darkness every evening. (You can keep it in the same place as your mushroom log!)

Do white poinsettias turn red?

Many people wonder what makes poinsettias turn red. It is actually the plant's leaves that provide its color through a process called photoperiodism. This process, in response to certain amounts of light or lack thereof, turns the leaves from green to red (or pink, white, and other shade variations).

How do you keep poinsettias alive all year?

Move to a colder place where the temperature never goes over 60 degrees and out of sunlight. Keep it indoors if you live in dry and hot areas of the country. Sometime in May, repot the poinsettia in a bigger container. Cut all the stems down to about four inches.

Do poinsettias clean the air?

Poinsettias Are Clean Air Houseplants

All in all, the poinsettia is a safe plant and is on the top of the list of most helpful clean air houseplants. ... Poinsettias remove the trace formaldehyde that exists in the air from insulation, grocery bags, particleboard, and other household items.

When should you cut back poinsettias?

Poinsettias (both potted and in the ground) should be pruned twice a year, first in the spring and again in late summer. Remembering the “A” months is a helpful tip, April and August. For the first pruning in spring (April), remove all foliage and cut all branches back to 4-6″ of height.

Can dogs die from poinsettias?

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.

Why are the leaves falling off my poinsettia?

Poinsettias will classically drop their leaves if they are exposed to sudden changes in temperature, drafts or overly cool or dry rooms. They also will lose leaves and wilt in response to an extreme need for water. When choosing a plant, pick a healthy, full one with no discoloration on the foliage.

At what temperature will poinsettias suffer damage?

Poinsettias will suffer damage if they are exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees F. Freezing temperatures will kill poinsettias.

Do poinsettias like coffee grounds?

Poinsettias do well with good light and indirect sunlight. Poinsettias seem to like a little leftover, cooled coffee—just a cup or so over the course of a week. ... Coffee grounds are highly acidic, they note, so they should be reserved for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries.