PAGE 32 DECEMBER 2013 DAILY JEFFERSON COUNTY UNION The basics of poinsettia plant care By Metro News Service a dark closet for 12 to 14 hours each night. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– During the day, the plant should be in a sunny Although poinsettias most often are associated window where it will have access to bright light. with the holiday season, they actually are trop- The more light the better. Keep the soil even- ical plants. In spite of their origins, poinsettias ly moist. Misting the plant will help it to retain can thrive during the holiday season and even some humidity. Also, fill the overflow saucer on last long after the holidays have come and gone. your flower pot with gravel to allow water seep- Poinsettias are native to Mexico and Central ing through the pot to evaporate from the gravel. America. Aztecs called the plant cuetlaxochitl. Hot temperatures indoors combined with high The flowering plant was introduced to the Unit- humidity will help the plant to thrive. Even one ed States by Joel Poinsett, the U.S. ambassador day without adequate moisture can cause the to Mexico, and was renamed the poinsettia. leaves to drop. Furthermore, decreasing tem- The flowers of the poinsettia actually are the peratures can cause leaves to fall off. The goal is yellow blooms at the middle of the bright red or to keep the indoor temperature consistent. white bracts that form on the plant. Perhaps due While many poinsettia plants are discarded to the bright red of the bracts, the plant quickly after the holiday season, these plants actually became a popular Christmas plant. can be cut back and saved for next season. Trim- It’s important to note that poinsettias grow in ming back any remaining leaves and continuing a warm climate and therefore must be kept in to care for the plant by keeping it moist can help. tropical conditions to ensure the plant’s health. To force the blooms next season, start reduc- Furthermore, poinsettias bloom in response to ing the plant’s exposure to sunlight in mid-Sep- shortening daylight hours. That means they will tember to October. Again, this will mean re- need ample darkness each night in order to sim- moving the plant to an area that is shrouded in ulate the dark nights of short, winter days. To complete darkness. Even streetlights or indoor FLORAL CARE — Poinsettias are tropical plants, achieve this, you may need to put the plant into lighting can affect blooming. and will thrive in hot, humid conditions. Holly and mistletoe are symbols of Christmas By Metro News Service ferred that holly and its prickly mistletoe, they had to lay down their –––––––––––––––––––––––––– edges is symbolic of the crown of weapons and observe a truce until “Oh, by gosh, by golly it’s time thorns Jesus wore at his cruci- the next day. This is how the tradition for mistletoe and holly. Tasty fixion, with the red berries rep- of kissing under the mistletoe likely pheasants, Christmas presents, resenting blood. began, and why a ball of mistletoe is countrysides covered in snow.” Mistletoe now hung in homes during Christ- As exemplified by this holiday Mistletoe was once held sa- mas, a season of peace and affection. hit by Henry Sanicola, Frank cred by the Norse, Celtic Druids Homeowners who hang mistletoe Sinatra and Dok Stanford, holly and North American Indians. and holly around their homes during and mistletoe are an integral part It is actually a parasitic plant the holiday season should be mindful of holiday imagery and tradition. that grows on a wide range of of pets and youngsters around the Holly is used to adorn a home in host trees. Heavy infestation plants. Mistletoe and holly are con- green and red finery alongside ev- can dwarf the growth and kill sidered to be moderately to severely ergreen boughs and wreaths. In HOLIDAY PLANTS — Whether faux or fresh these trees. In cultures across toxic, and ingesting the leaves could addition, it has become custom- mistletoe, a bouquet of this plant symbolizes pre-Christian Europe, mistletoe be dangerous. Therefore, keep these ary to hang a bouquet of mistle- peace and tranquility for Christmas. plants away from curious hands. toe under which people are en- was seen as a representation of couraged to share a holiday kiss. evil-repelling holly on their homes to divine male essence (and thus While these elements of celebrations appear like the masses. Eventually as romance, fertility and vitality). now are incorporated into many of the number of Christians grew, the The plant also was thought to be a the secular and religious components tradition became less of a pagan one symbol of peace, and anyone standing of Christmas, they have very different and more associated with Christians below it should receive tokens of af- origins. and Christmas. Some people have in- fection. When enemies met beneath Holly Holly has been used since the days to say “thank you.” of the early Pagans as a decoration for midwinter festivities, when it was Thank you for a wonderful year. We wish you all a very merry brought into homes to keep evil spir- Wishing you a Blessed and bright Holiday Season. its away. The ancient Romans also be- Don Amundson Agency lieved that holly prickles drove away Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 39 S. 3rd St., W. evil spirits, and it held a place of hon- Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 or at December festivals dedicated to Preferred • 920-650-9103 (920) 563-2793 the god Saturn. To avoid persecution 1001 Madison Ave., Fort Atkinson during the Roman pagan Saturnalia Sharon Stade festival, early Christians would par- www.sharonstade.com ticipate in the tradition of hanging