POINSETTIAS AND CHRISTMAS

Poinsettias and Christmas seem almost inseparable. But in fact, the bright red plants are relative newcomers to the holiday scene-it wasn't until 1825 that Joel Roberts Poinsett, who helped found the Smithsonian Institution and was the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico and an amateur botanist, introduced this colorful Mexican plant to the U.S.
Thanks to modern plant breeding, today's poinsettias are easy to grow, have longer and fuller "flowers" (known as bracts) and retain them longer.
Beyond Red
Although most people think of brilliant scarlet when they picture poinsettias, they are now found in all shades of red, plus hues of pink, peach and cream. There are also types with speckles and splashes of white on red or pink on white. The growth pattern varies, too. There are large plants that look like tropical shrubs and "munchkin" plants only 6 inches tall. There are now even varieties that have bracts shaped like open rose flowers and those with leaves resembling holly.
So Beautiful, Yet So Easy!
Years ago, poinsettias had a reputation for dropping their leaves at the slightest provocation. Fortunately, those days are over. Modern hybrids are ironclad houseplants that require only minimal care. Here are a few tips to help keep your poinsettias in top condition:
Don't place the plant near a fireplace or heat vent. The high heat and low humidity are not good for poinsettias (or any houseplants).
Keep the soil damp, but not wet. Don't let water stand in the platter, as it will waterlog the plant and rot its roots.
Place the plant in a bright spot, but not in intense direct sunlight.
Poinsettias like the same room temperatures that you do-mid-60s to low 70s.
While the plant is in bloom, it is not necessary to fertilize it. Most people know poinsettias as stellar potted plants, but they are also perfect as cut flowers in holiday arrangements. Some florists sell cut stems of poinsettias, but if yours does not, merely purchase a few large potted poinsettias for cuttings.
When you cut the stems, they'll exude a milky white sap. To stop the flow of this sap, dip the stems in boiling water for several seconds or place them over an open flame for a few seconds.
As with all cut flowers, you can increase their longevity and freshness by keeping the water clean, removing leaves of the stems that will be submerged, using a floral preservative and keeping the arrangement out of direct sunlight and away from cold drafts or hot dry air.
Decorating Drama
It's difficult to go wrong when decorating with poinsettias-they make a strong and dramatic statement wherever they're displayed. Because they come in so many different sizes, they can be used any number of ways.
For example, there's nothing more powerful than a large handsome poinsettia.except for a cluster of them. You can place them at various heights by arranging them on inverted clay pots.
Smaller plants work well tucked into garlands of evergreens on the mantel, put in urns with greens and candles, placed on windowsills or lining the staircase. They make wonderful take-home table decorations for holiday guests. If you have tall ceilings, consider adding a few spectacular poinsettia hanging baskets.
There's no need to be shy about mixing other potted plants with poinsettias. Try pots of large red amaryllis combined with cream-colored poinsettias or white-colored paperwhites with red poinsettias.
Large or small, poinsettias make a compelling holiday decorating statement, helping you add drama and excitement to your Christmas experience. This year, take full advantage of this wonderful horticultural gift from Mexico.