Poinsettia Plant

Poinsettia Plant The Poinsettia , also known as The Flower of the Holy Night History Also referred to as Christmas Stars, the Poinsettia originated in Mexico before it Holiday Poinsettia Tip Sheet became popular in American Christmas traditions. Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico and amateur botanist, Your guide for Poinsettia: brought several Poinsettias back to the United States in 19 28. He gave some of the plants as • History gifts to friends and family, and years later, the • plant that bears his name is still a popular gift Legend to give and receive during Christmas. • Care • Reblooming Instructions In 2002 the US House of Representatives • Toxicity declared December 12th National Poinsettia Day. The declaration was made in honor of Paul Ecke Jr. who is credited with revolutionizing the way poinsettias are bred, produced, and sold. The US House of Representatives also noted that National Poinsettia Day has traditionally been observed on Decem ber 12th for over 150 years to honor the death of Dr. Joel Poinsett.

We are thankful to our thousands of satisfied Legend customers who expect our high level of customer According to Mexican legend, a child knelt service, quality products, reasonable prices and convenience. We hope you find this guide before the altar at her village's church on informative, interesting, and helpful during your Christmas Eve. Since she had no money, she busy holiday season. had no gift to offer to the Christ Child on his birthday. Her prayers were sincere though, and through a miracle the first "Flower of the Holy Night" bloomed at her feet in bright red (800) 266-0452 and green homage to the holy birth. This was [email protected] the birth of the Poinsettia.

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How to Rebloom Are Poinsettias Poisonous?

During the Winter There’s no need to worry about using Poinsettias to decorate for the holidays. • When surface soil is dry to the touch, Although it is a commonly held belief that water thoroughly. Discard any excess Poinsettia plants are poisonous to pets and water children, this is only a myth. • To prolong color, keep a temperature range of 60°F for night and 72°F for Colorado State University concluded that a 50 day. High humidity is preferable pound child would need to eat over 500 of the • Place plant away from hot or cold bitter tasting bracts (leaves/petals) to reach the drafts, and protect from cold winds levels tested for in an OSU study, which were Spring, Early March not considered toxic.

• When bracts fade, cut stems back to Children’s Hospital in Pittsburg found that in eight inches above soil line. reported Poinsettia exposure cases, none • Continue to water regularly. were fatal, 92% resulted in no effects at all, • Lightly fertilize with a balanced all- and only 4% needed evaluation or trea tment at purpose plant food every three to four a healthcare facility. weeks. • When temperatures are warm, place For your pets, the American Society for the plant outdoors; first in indirect, then Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that Poinsettia Care direct sunlight. Avoid temperatures the poinsettia could be "irritating to the mouth below 50°F throughout the summer. and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting, but

• Light: Medium light areas are best for generally over-rated in toxicity." Summer, Early July Poinsettias, but they will tolerate low light. So use poinsettias freely when decorating, Avoid full sun to prevent burned leaves. • Cut back new growth stems. Repot if they are safe for the whole family! needed. • Water: Water when the soil surface becomes dry. Fall, Early September

• Move plant inside. Provide six or more • Temperature: Keep at temperatures between hours of direct light. 60° and 70°F, or 15° and 21°C. Fall, October – December For other floral facts, flower meanings, and • articles about flowers, please visit us online at Confine plant to complete darkness for 14 hours, giving it 10 hours of natural light daily. This will set the buds and www.1stinFlowers.com cause the bracts to color.