HISTORY AND CARE OF POINSETTIAS, WITH TIPS FROM IU'S HILLTOP GARDEN

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- According to Mexican legend, the first poinsettia was the result of the prayers of a peasant boy. With no money and no gift to honor the anniversary of the birth of the Christ child, he knelt and prayed at the altar of his village church. His prayers were sincere, and, through a miracle, the first "Flower of the Holy Night" bloomed at his feet in bright red and green.

In reality, the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherima) was cultivated by the Aztecs of Mexico long before the introduction of Christianity to the Western Hemisphere. Some of the first religious connotations were placed on poinsettias during the 17th century when, because of its brilliant color and holiday bloom, Franciscan priests in Mexico began to use the flower in nativity processions.

Poinsettias were first introduced into the United States in 1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico. Poinsett, a skilled botanist, had some plants sent to his home in Greenville, S.C. After establishing the plants in his own greenhouse, he began to send them to various botanical gardens and fellow horticulturists.

They eventually reached Robert Buist, a nurseryman, who first sold the plant as Euphorbia poinsettia, although a German botanist had already given the plant the botanical name Euphorbia pulcherima. The poinsettia, however, remains the accepted name in English-speaking countries.

Selection and Seasonal Care

The number, size, color and condition of the bracts (the brightly colored parts of the plant) are the major criteria to consider when selecting a poinsettia. Colors range from red and pink through marbled bicolors and white.

Inspect the condition of the bracts. They should be free from brown edges that may indicate damage from handling, over-fertilization or exposure to extreme temperatures. Yellowing and loss of leaves from the base may indicate the plant is dried out.

"A couple of insects to look out for are whiteflies and spider mites," said Debra Bunn, director of Indiana University's Hilltop Garden and Nature Center. "Whiteflies look like miniature white moths about the size of a pinhead, but spider mites are so tiny they won't show up until you tap the top of a leaf several times while holding a piece of white paper underneath. They look like specks of red dust, except they'll be moving. If you find either, select another plant."

To maintain the color and quality of poinsettias, protect them from cold drafts or exposure while bringing them home. If the plant is wrapped in a paper or plastic sleeve, remove it immediately once the plant is brought inside. The plant naturally releases ethylene gas that will build up and cause the leaves to drop if left wrapped too long.

"One of the most common causes of problems with poinsettias is that people allow water to collect inside the decorative foil or cellophane wrapping around the pot," Bunn said. "Poinsettias like to be watered well, then allowed to dry out a bit. If you want to keep the foil around the pot, just be sure to remove when watering, and allow the water to run through. Then put the foil back on."

Place the plant in a location where it will receive bright, filtered light, but not direct sun. Also try to avoid drafts from windows and doors, as well as heat sources like furnace ducts, fireplaces and stoves.

If these procedures are followed, poinsettias will maintain their color and quality until long after the holidays.

For more information, contact Jeff Austin, Office of Communications and Marketing, 812-855-0084 or 812-855-3911, jeaustin@indiana.edu