How the Poinsettia Became The Christmas Plant.
I. Introduction: The Ubiquitous Holiday Plant
Imagine a Christmas without poinsettias: like a Santa without a beard or a reindeer without antlers. This holiday icon, Euphorbia pulcherrima, has become as essential to the festive season as mistletoe and eggnog. But beyond its decorative flair, lies a story as colorful as its famed bracts.
II. Origin Story: From Mexican Hills to Worldwide Fame
A Humble Mexican Beginnings
Our story starts in the sun-drenched landscapes of Mexico, where the poinsettia, or “Noche Buena,” first caught human eyes. It grew wild, its fiery red bracts blazing against the greenery, a living torch in the tropical sun.
The Legend of Pepita
Wrapped in the folds of time is the tale of Pepita, a poor girl who, lacking a gift for the celebration of Jesus’s birthday, was inspired by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside. These humble offerings, placed at the church altar, blossomed into brilliant red flowers, the first miracle of the Noche Buena.
Joel Roberts Poinsett’s Enchantment
Enter Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. An avid botanist, Poinsett was mesmerized by the plant’s winter redness and sent cuttings back to his greenhouse in South Carolina in the 1820s. And so began the poinsettia’s journey from a Mexican hillside to global Yuletide fame.
III. Botanical Charisma: The Science and Myths
Bracts vs. Leaves
Contrary to popular belief, the poinsettia’s “flowers” are not flowers at all. They are bracts, leaves that have changed color through a process more magical than Santa’s sleigh – photoperiodism.
Photoperiodism with a Touch of Humor
Photoperiodism, the plant’s response to light, is the secret behind the poinsettia’s color change. Shorter days and longer nights trigger the change, like flipping a switch from green to red, making the plant nature’s own Christmas decoration.
Debunking the Poison Myth
And about those rumors of poinsettias being poisonous? More myth than fact. While they’re not a recommended salad ingredient, they’re unlikely to cause more than mild discomfort if ingested by humans. Rest easy; your poinsettia is more likely to tickle your fancy than your throat. However, please keep your pets away as it’s more toxic to our furry friends. Here is a link to the excellent ASPCA list of “non-toxic to pets” and “toxic to pet” plants.
IV. Global Poinsettia Day: A World of Celebration
The Birth of National Poinsettia Day
December 12th marks National Poinsettia Day, a floral tribute to Joel Poinsett’s death anniversary. It’s a day when this botanical star takes center stage in homes and gardens across the globe.
Worldwide Celebrations
From Mexico to Japan, the poinsettia brightens winter days. In Mexico, it’s a symbol of the Christmas season, while in Europe, it’s a popular holiday gift, embodying a universal language of goodwill and cheer.
V. Cultivation and Care: Tips from the Trenches
The Art of Poinsettia Perfection
Growing a poinsettia is like orchestrating a ballet: it requires precision, patience, and a bit of luck. They thrive in mild temperatures and despise both the cold and the heat. Water them just enough, but not too much, like a careful dance of hydration.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do give them darkness for 14 hours a day if you want them to re-bloom. Don’t let them sit in water, unless you’re trying to reenact the Great Flood. And do talk to them; they might not talk back, but they’ll certainly grow.
VI. Poinsettias in Pop Culture: More Than Just a Plant
Poinsettias in the Limelight
Poinsettias have sneaked their way into films and books, often symbolizing the holiday season. They’ve been painted, photographed, and written about, turning up in the most unexpected places, like a festive Where’s Waldo.
Celebrity Poinsettia Fans
From botanical illustrators to famous gardeners, the poinsettia has its share of enthusiasts. It’s been the muse for artists and the companion of writers, proving that its appeal goes far beyond its seasonal fame.
VII. Conclusion: A Symbol of Holiday Beauty
As our journey through the world of the poinsettia comes to a close, it’s clear this is no ordinary plant. It’s a symbol of holiday spirit, a botanical marvel, and a cultural icon. The poinsettia’s journey from the Mexican wilderness to a global Christmas phenomenon is a tale of beauty, intrigue, and a little bit of botanical magic.
As you pass by a poinsettia this holiday season, take a moment to appreciate its journey. Think of the ancient Aztecs, Joel Roberts Poinsett, and the countless gardeners who have cultivated this plant to bring a splash of color to the darkest days of winter. The poinsettia is more than just a plant; it’s a symbol of the enduring power of nature to bring joy and beauty into our lives.
By Peter Tesh • Sr. Writer • Last Minute Flowers
