by C. J. Carpenter

Created on: January 05, 2009

Poinsettias can survive long after the Christmas lights have been taken down, and caroling songs sung, if properly selected and given a little "tender loving care". These beautiful plants add to the festive Christmas spirit and decor. With simplicity, poinsettias can enhance a dining table as a centerpiece or brighten an empty corner in the foyer.

Historians note that Poinsettias have their roots in Mexico. Although we now use them esthetically, during the 14th-16thcenturies the sap of the plant was used medicinally and the bright red leaves as dye. The plant was given the name "Euphorbia Pulcherrima" which means "very beautiful". Later, the first United States Ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett, brought the flowering shrub back from Mexico. A historian and horticulturist later named the radiant plant after him.

It would be appropriate and timely to shop for your perennial Christmas plant on December 12th -"National Poinsettia Day". If you want your plant to survive the Christmas season and beyond, it's important to choose a healthy plant. Here are some tips on picking the right poinsettia and properly caring for it.

Selection- Although seventy four percent of Americans buy red poinsettias, some shoppers prefer the white or pink ones. Choose a plant that has dark green undergrowth at the soil. This will assure it is a young plant. But don't pick a plant with leaves that are green on the edges. A plant with yellow or fallen leaves may not last through the holiday season. Avoid plants with yellow pollen on the leaves because they are too mature and won't last very long. Check the soil to make sure it's not too dry or soggy. Look for plants that have bright healthy color, not one with droopy and wilting leaves. Pass over plants that look crowed in the pot.

Caring- Once you've decided on the perfect poinsettia, have it wrapped properly to protect it from in climate weather. Poinsettias thrive in moderate temperatures between 55-70 degrees. Keep plants away from cold drafting doors and windows or hot air vents. Extreme temperatures will shorten the plants life. This Christmas plant requires about six hours of daylight every day. Water your Poinsettia when it's dry and make sure the plants water can drain into a saucer under it. It's important not to let the plant become too dry or water it too much. If the poinsettia lasts through the holiday season, consider feeding the plant once a month with a household fertilizer unless the plant is blooming.

This popular Christmas plant ranks above all other flowering potted plants in the US. Over 61 million plants were sold in 2004 over a six week period. The Poinsettia, also known as the flame leaf flower adds magnificent color and warmth to your home. Isn't it worth going the extra mile in caring for it so it will last months after the holidays and bloom next year?

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