Ok, I will admit it. I left my poinsettias outside on my vintage step stool on my porch. And yes, it was 30 degrees and they died. It was my first time decorating my porch and I see them as a winter décor item so I thought why not. Well, I was wrong. I didn’t want to hear my wonderful husband, David, laughing at me anymore so here is everything you ever wanted to know about this season’s most popular plant.
Q: David says poyn-set-tee-ah and I say poyn-set-ah. Who is right?
A: Both are common, but David is right. Arghh! The plant is named after US Ambassador Joel Poinsett who discovered the plant in Mexico and brought it back to the USA in the early 1800’s. Tradition goes back to the Mexican legend that the red leaves turned that color on Christmas Eve so in keeping with traditions that is why they are sold during the holidays.
Q: Poinsettias are poisonous, right?
A: Yes, if you eat handfuls of the leaves you can get an upset stomach and if you are allergic to latex you can have a reaction to the white sap from a broken stem but they are NOT toxic.
Q: Do they come in other colors besides red?
A: Yes! They come in cream, pink, white and two-toned varietals that I love such as Jingle Bells and Ice Punch.
Q: Where are they grown?
A: They bloom mostly in November and December and are mostly grown in California and North Carolina.
Q: How do I buy a good one?
A: Make sure: the soil is not too wet/dry, non-rolled or yellow leaves, and that the buds in the center are plump and unopened.
Q: How do I care for my poinsettia?
A: Obviously now I know they don’t like the cold so put in a sunny, draft free area. Check your door and windows for any drafts. Remember a 1/8 gap around your door or window is equal to a 6” brick hole in your wall. Signs your windows are costing you money! You and your poinsettias don’t want to be left out in the cold. Only water them when the soil is dry to the touch-like 1-2 times a week. If you decide to keep the foil on, pierce a hole in the bottom so excess water can drain and place on a saucer to protect your surface.
Q: Can they be composted?
A: Yes, but if you want to keep an organic garden you may not want to as the plant may have been treated with pesticides.
