Poinsettia

A well known Christmas symbol belongs to the Poinsettia plant. While other flowers exist, such as pink, white and yellow, poinsettia plants with deep red flowers and dark green leaves represent the colors associated with the winter holiday.

Poinsettia plants symbolized purity in Aztec cultures. Christianity still follows this thought today.

Poinsettia plants came from Mexico. These days the plants are grown throughout the world. A Mexican story of how the poinsettia came about begins with two children, a brother and a sister. They belonged to a poor family and owned no money to buy baby Jesus a present. They picked weeds on the way to visit the baby, though others laughed at them. As they planted the weeds around the manger star shaped red flowers magically appeared on the green foliage.

Unfortunately, many people who buy these at Christmas time possess little knowledge on growing poinsettia plants. As a result the plant dies before the spring season draws near.

Actually, to care for poinsettia plants requires few things. Part of poinsettia plant care involves placing them indoors in a warm, sunny location, about sixty to seventy degrees Fahrenheit, through winter months. Water until soaked. Then leave the plant alone until the soil feels dry and repeat. Faded leaves are an indication that the plant needs more sun. Keep away from drafty areas and stale heat, like from furnaces or dehumidifiers. This tends to make the flowers droop and wilt.

The reproductive cycle of the poinsettia plant is at full bloom in December. When the flowers fade, lateral growth starts in February. Transfer plants outside in summer months until August and bring inside when temperatures drop below seventy degrees.

One type of gorgeous tree displays involves the use of live poinsettia tree stands. A wooden or metal frame in the shape of a tree provides a base to make a poinsettia Christmas tree. Some poinsettia tree stand set-ups include instructions for shelves. Search the Internet for instructions and diagrams on how build a poinsettia tree rack for homes and businesses. Like the look of a poinsettia tree, but lack the patience for live plants? Companies offer kits for silk poinsettia trees as well.

A warning for those with pets. Poinsettia plants are poisonous to consume. While urban myths denounce children may also get poisoned from the plant, it is still a good idea to hang it out of reach from curious animals and children.