Poinsettia Care and Growing Guide
Poinsettia are a Christmas classic! This gorgeous hued gift actually has a rich and fascinating history. Read below for our top Poinsettia care tips to keep your plant looking great all season long, and also some historical facts that you can crack out on Christmas Day.
The History
There are certain plants that play important and often mysterious roles in holiday traditions and celebrations all over the world. The Poinsettia’s story is just as unique as the rest. Back in the 14th Century, Poinsettias were used for their medicinal properties, it was believed that it could cure fever symptoms and as such, the plant was highly prized in Aztec Culture. It is said that one of the last Aztec Emperors was so captivated by Poinsettias that he would have them transported, en masse to the city where he lived. The Poinsettia’s association with Christmas was almost entirely confined to small Mexican towns and their local folklore. It remained in relative obscurity for almost two hundred years before a man by the name of Joel Roberts Poinsett would introduce it to the United States. It wasn’t until around 1836 that the plant formally attained its popular name of Poinsettia after the man who first brought the plant to the United States and ignited a holiday tradition that continues to this day.
Our Poinsettia Care Tips
Whether you choose to decorate your home with Poinsettias, or if they’re your gift of choice, here are some top care tips to keep your Poinsettia looking its best all season long!
Poinsettias like to have moist, but not water-logged soil, avoid allowing them to dry out completely or wilt. We recommend that you water when the soil surface is dry. The best way to determine this is by placing your finger a couple of centimetres into the soil, if it feels dry, it’s time to water. You could also use the Gro-Sure Houseplant Watering Indicator, this handy wee stick will tell you when your plant needs more water, as the display window will turn red (a blue display window means that your plant is well-watered).
One of the main causes of Poinsettia decline is overwatering. If the leaves of your Poinsettia are yellowing or falling off, your plant probably isn’t too happy with the amount of water it is getting. A small sip every few days will be sufficient. Poinsettias preference is room-temperature water.
Poinsettias need warmth and light, since they are tropical plants, they will fare better if placed away from cold windows and doorways. Also note that they don’t like to be in the path of a draught whether it’s cold or warm air. They’re happiest in temperatures around 15 – 20 degrees.