Caring for your Poinsettia
Poinsettias a tradition at Harvey’s Florist & Greenhouses Inc. Since 1930
THE POPULARITY, BEAUTY AND DIVERSITY OF THE POINSETTIA
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), poinsettias are the number one potted plant grown in the United States. Each year, between 40 and 50 million plants are sold.
While the standard three to six bloom, red poinsettia is the most frequently used, there are several other sizes, shapes and colors available. Colors can range from creamy white through shades of pink and orange to the traditional red. Some poinsettias can be found with marbled bracts of pink and white as well as those with pink flecks on red. Poinsettias can be purchased in miniature sizes, trees and hanging baskets.
The History and Legend of the Poinsettia
The poinsettia got its name from Joel R. Poinsett, who became the first American Ambassador to Mexico in 1825. He introduced the plant to the United States on one of his trips home. The enchanting legend of the poinsettia dates back several centuries, to a Christmas Eve in Mexico when a little girl named Pepita had no gift to present to the Christ Child. Her cousin Pedro urged her to give a humble gift. So, on her way to church she gathered up some weeds she found along the road.
As she approached the altar, a miracle happened. The weeds blossomed into brilliant
flowers! Then they were called Flores de Noche Buena-Flowers of the Holy Night. Now they are called poinsettias.
HOW TO CARE FOR THE POINSETTIA
Harvey’s have many satisfied customers buying plants every year and enjoying them long after the holidays. One thing to remember when buying a poinsettia is to wrap it carefully against the cold before leaving the nursery.
The slightest exposure to freezing temperature may hurt it badly, causing the leaves to drop. Room temperatures in the 60- to 70-degree Fahrenheit range are ideal. The potting soil should be checked daily for the proper humidity, which you can determine by touching it. If dry, water the plant until water flows out the bottom into a saucer. Then discard excess water because the plants suffer also from overwatering.
If you want to keep a poinsettia for another Christmas run, you’ll have to do some serious gardening. Like the care of other house plants during the warm season, this will involve fertilization, cutting back and repotting with the proper soil mixture to larger containers. The plants may, be placed outdoors in summer, but should be returned indoors when temperatures begin to drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. But the major thing to remember is that poinsettias require long periods of darkness.
CHURCH & HOLIDAY DISPLAYS
Harvey’s Florist & Greenhouses, Inc. would like to work with any church organization or business to decorate with poinsettias this year. We have poinsettia tree racks available for purchase or rental. Call us for more information. Phone 301-689-9266.
