Nothing says Christmas like poinsettias
T
here is no other flowering plant as popular as poinsettias during the Christmas Season. With their brilliant red, or creamy colourful bracts, and deep green leaves, they reflect the traditional colour-scheme of Christmas and make a welcome addition to our holiday home decorating.
There are silk poinsettias available which are very life-like and look beautiful in wreaths, garlands, picks, stems, etc., but it is always nice to have a real, live plant in our homes during the cold winter months, especially for those of us who miss being out in the garden.
At first glance, poinsettias may all look the same, but if you get a little closer, you will notice that there are a number of different varieties with unique characteristics. The most obvious difference is the colour. When we think of poinsettias, the first colour that comes to mind is red, but poinsettias come in a wide array of different shades, from deep burgundy, to bright poppy red. Creamy white poinsettias are the second most popular colour, followed by the rose pink poinsettias, which offer a unique take on the traditional holiday decorating scheme. If you are looking for something a little different, look for the speck- led, or bi-colour varieties.
The next difference to note is in the size and shape of the flowers and leaves. Some varieties have smaller leaves and a more compact look than others. In some cases, the leaves even have a slight curl or wave to them to make them unique or have a variegated leave.
While poinsettias look fantastic on their own, a decorative pot that compliments your home decor will add to the festive look of your home and add a personal festive flair to the room. For a rustic, country look, try a wooden crate or a wicker basket. If you want a more classic look, a ceramic pot in your favourite colour would work well.
To keep your poinsettia looking good throughout the festive season, ensure it has proper light and water.
Poinsettias require about six hours of light each day, so place it near enough to a window so it can receive good light, but not so close as to get too cold. Poinsettias are sensitive to temperature changes so always keep it away from drafts, heating vents, fireplaces, outside doors etc. This is also something to keep in mind when transporting poinsettias to their destination. Always keep them wrapped, and bring them directly home. Don’t leave them in an unheated vehicle for any length of time, and when you get home, take the sleeve off the plant. Water thoroughly when the top is dry to the touch, and be sure to allow any excess water to drain, being sure to discard the excess water that remains in the saucer.
One of the most common questions about poinsettias is whether they are poisonous. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not actually poisonous. That doesn’t mean, however, that they should be eaten. The sap of poinsettias can cause a mild allergic reaction such as a rash, and ingesting a poinsettia can give you an upset stomach. The biggest concern with poinsettias is for those people with latex allergies, since poinsettias share similar proteins and can cause allergic reaction.
Whatever colour you choose, and however you decide to display it, poinsettias are definitely a welcome addition to any holiday decorating during the Christmas season.