Christmas Flower Plant Poinsettia

Poinsettia flowers are found in the wilderness of deciduous forest of Mexico. Significant to the foundation of modern Turkey, it is known as Ataturk’s flower priceless to the people who consider it as a ‘Symbol of Purity”. In Mexico this fiery, painted leaves plant thrive in the subtropical climate and the legend has it that it was first introduced by a small boy on the altar of Christ and hence afterwards used for celebrations and decorations of Christmas. Mexicans call it “Holy Night Flower or Christmas Flower”.

Botanical name of Poinsettia is Euphorbia Pulcherrima and the species is of the same name. Family name is Euphorbiaceae. The bright red petals at the tip of the plant resembling flower are truly not flower at all. The cluster of these beautiful foliage is not really leaves but bracts as the Botanists refer them. The number can vary from 12 to 36 and they change their colour from crimson to green as they grow. The Christmas plant can reach a height of 10 to 12 feet.

Another anecdote related with the facts can be the real source of transporting the Poinsettia plant to United States. It was about the Diplomat Joel Roberts Poinsett who brought this beautiful magical plant from Mexico around two centuries ago. This was around 1830, the controversial figure who brought it to US was also known as the scourge of the continent. However; It is another matter, that his astute knowledge of languages and foreign relations brought him to work under the tenure of three Presidents.

There are many ways you can use poinsettia for Christmas decor. You can have an entire Christmas tree decorated with poinsettia floral ornaments or just place them at strategic places. A table setting with poinsettia centerpiece table runway and crockeries would be amazing with the crimson colour. Use it in a wreath or Christmas garland. Adorn your fire mantel with poinsettia socks. Poinsettia look amazing on throw pillows and they will be a great theme for your bedroom duet and sofa covers too. Artificial silk arrangement of poinsettia bouquet look terrific.

Once you buy poinsettia, it might become difficult to induce blooming again. That is because the plant hibernates in long autumn periods and requires prolonged dark nights for at least two months before it can start flowering again. The tricky part is to make them bloom again. Ensure that it has rested in the winter and your perseverance may

Poinsettias are fragile and difficult to cultivate unless there is a suitable climate. It will not survive harsh winters and soaring temperatures. Poinsettias are extremely sensitive to light conditions. Unless they remain dormant for long cool nights, the Poinsettias may delay the bloom or do not bloom at all. They are propagated through cuttings; the soil better be sterilized, and the handling should be delicate for the saplings.