Some points on poinsettias
We value poinsettias for their colourful red, cream and pink flowers, but, surprisingly, what we consider petals are actually bracts (modified leaves).
The true flowers are found in the yellow centre of the plant, known as cyathia.
When choosing a poinsettia, check the centre of the plant for yellow centres. Plants with little or no pollen showing will last the longest, the yellow centres should look fresh and intact. The plant begins to drop its colourful bracts after the flowers shed their pollen.
What’s in a name?
Joel Roberts Poinsett (17791851) was an amateur botanist, physician and the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico. Poinsett sent cuttings back to Charleston, S.C. in 1828 to trial.
In Mexico and Guatemala, poinsettias are known as ‘La Flor de Noche Buena’ (Flower of the Holy Night or Christmas Eve). In Chile and Peru, they are called the ‘Crown of the Andes’ and in Spain, ‘Flor de Pascua’ (Easter flower).
Poinsettias are native to Mexico, where they grow as a shrub and can reach three metres tall; at one time they were considered weeds. Today, more than 100 varieties are available, and they appear in myriad colours in shades of red, white, pink and burgundy. The bracts can be one solid colour or feature speckled or marbled colours.
Poinsettia care
Poinsettias are easy to grow. They are tropical plants and like warmth and the sun; place in a bright room out of direct sunlight and away from cold drafts. A room temperature of 18 to 23 C during the daytime and not lower than 15 C. at night is ideal. Protect the plants from cold drafts, do not allow the bracts to touch the cold window glass. A shock of cold will make the leaves drop prematurely.
Water the plant when the surface feels dry to the touch. Place the pot in a sink and water deeply until the water runs out of the bottom of the pot. Do not let the plant sit in water — they dislike having wet feet. If you water the plant in its saucer, be sure to drain away any excess water.
Provide the plant with some protection from the cold when you are bringing it home. Last week, I saw a gentleman carrying an unwrapped poinsettia in the basket of his shopping cart. It was so cold outside, I had my hood pulled up and zipped to keep me warm. Exposing the plant to cold temperatures for more than a few minutes will cause the plant to drop its leaves very quickly. Remove the protective wrapping as soon as you get home and set the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter, to protect your furniture.
With proper care, a poinsettia can last for several months.
Are they poisonous?
A popular myth says that poinsettias are poisonous — they are not. Members of the euphorbia or spurge family ooze a milky sap that may cause a skin irritation for people with a latex allergy. If ingested, the sap can cause an upset stomach, so keep them out of the reach of curious kittens and puppies. You would have to consume a lot of poinsettia leaves to get sick.
Will my poinsettia bloom again?
Landscape Ontario (www.landscapeontario.com) offers the following tips if you’d like to try your hand at getting your poinsettia to re-bloom next year. Its a long project, but worth a try.
The colourful bracts begin to fade by April. Keep the plant near a sunny window, six hours of sunlight per day is ideal, and fertilize when new growth appears. Cut back the stems to about 20 centimetres tall at this time. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
In June, repot if necessary and fertilize with a formula 20-20-20; continue to water when dry to the touch. Place the plant outside (if desired) in light shade. Do not move outside until temperatures remain above 10 C.
In late August, cut the stems back, leaving three or four leaves per shoot. Bring the poinsettia inside, set it near a sunny window. (Re-pot at this time with fresh potting medium, if desired.)
To trigger the bracts to change colour, poinsettias need to be in total darkness for 12 to 15 hours each night. Beginning Sept. 20 until Dec. 1, put the plant in a dark closet or room from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily. It is essential that there is total darkness, even light from under the crack of a door, or a lamp in the room, can disrupt the process. During the daytime, bring the plant into the light from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The bracts should start to take on some colour in early December; do not fertilize the plants at this time.
To experience a vibrant display of colourful poinsettias, cyclamen and Christmas cacti, visit Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse over the holiday season. It is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with extended hours to 8 p.m. on the weekends (closed Christmas Day). Check the schedule at www.niagaraparks.com and follow the link to the Floral Showhouse.
Merry Christmas!