Merry Christmas - Poinsettias
Hello and Merry Christmas everyone!
Christmas is the season of the stunning poinsettia, they add so much cheer and colour to the table when everyone is gathered round.
Some of the first known history of poinsettia use at Christmas goes back to the 17th century , where it was used in Mexico by the Franciscan monks, they apparently used them in their nativity processions.
Now, they are though commonly treated as an annual plant, when they are actually a perennial, and become quite a reasonable sized shrub. I have one in my garden, that was planted by the previous owners, which appears to be a cream top one, and it is almost 3 meters tall, and this is with it being very neglected.
Poinsettia's are interesting plants, their top foliage will actually colour with the colder months, which is hard to do here for Christmas, as we have a very hot festive season. They are therefore grown in special hot houses, and forced into colour by temperature alteration at Christmas. Also light reduction plays a significant role in the colour of your poinsettia, shorter days means less chlorophyll which means less green pigmentation!
How do you grow one you may ask, fairly easily, all bar water. They appreciate a free draining soil, as they really don't like wet feet, it is honestly the fastest way to kill one. At risk of sounding contradictory, mixing some organic matter or peat will help keep moisture to their roots as too little and they will wilt very quickly. So plenty of aeration but some moisture retention. Otherwise they are low maintenance, a bit of liquid fertiliser now and then, and a light pruning will keep them from becoming straggly. Full sun is absolutely fine, and they will tolerate some light shade too. If your growing them inside in a pot, make sure they have plenty of light and are not under your A/C.
Note: Be careful when pruning as they contain a white sap which can cause irritation to eyes and skin, and other effects. Do not swallow or consume. If any of this occurs seek medical assistance.
Avoid burning the plant also.
Did you know its said tha6t the green and red colours of the poinsettia represents the Star of Bethlehem and the blood of Christ's crucifixion.
Merry Christmas all, be safe!
Christmas is the season of the stunning poinsettia, they add so much cheer and colour to the table when everyone is gathered round.
Some of the first known history of poinsettia use at Christmas goes back to the 17th century , where it was used in Mexico by the Franciscan monks, they apparently used them in their nativity processions.
Now, they are though commonly treated as an annual plant, when they are actually a perennial, and become quite a reasonable sized shrub. I have one in my garden, that was planted by the previous owners, which appears to be a cream top one, and it is almost 3 meters tall, and this is with it being very neglected.
Poinsettia's are interesting plants, their top foliage will actually colour with the colder months, which is hard to do here for Christmas, as we have a very hot festive season. They are therefore grown in special hot houses, and forced into colour by temperature alteration at Christmas. Also light reduction plays a significant role in the colour of your poinsettia, shorter days means less chlorophyll which means less green pigmentation!
How do you grow one you may ask, fairly easily, all bar water. They appreciate a free draining soil, as they really don't like wet feet, it is honestly the fastest way to kill one. At risk of sounding contradictory, mixing some organic matter or peat will help keep moisture to their roots as too little and they will wilt very quickly. So plenty of aeration but some moisture retention. Otherwise they are low maintenance, a bit of liquid fertiliser now and then, and a light pruning will keep them from becoming straggly. Full sun is absolutely fine, and they will tolerate some light shade too. If your growing them inside in a pot, make sure they have plenty of light and are not under your A/C.
Note: Be careful when pruning as they contain a white sap which can cause irritation to eyes and skin, and other effects. Do not swallow or consume. If any of this occurs seek medical assistance.
Avoid burning the plant also.
Did you know its said tha6t the green and red colours of the poinsettia represents the Star of Bethlehem and the blood of Christ's crucifixion.
Merry Christmas all, be safe!
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