Poinsettia Plant
The Poinsettia, also known as
The Flower of the Holy Night
History
Also referred to as Christmas Stars, the
Poinsettia originated in Mexico before it
became popular in American Christmas
traditions. Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the U.S.
ambassador to Mexico and amateur botanist,
brought several Poinsettias back to the United
States in 1928. He gave some of the plants as
gifts to friends and family, and years later, the
plant that bears his name is still a popular gift
to give and receive during Christmas.
Holiday Poinsettia Tip Sheet
Your guide for Poinsettia:
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In 2002 the US House of Representatives
declared December 12th National Poinsettia
Day. The declaration was made in honor of
Paul Ecke Jr. who is credited with
revolutionizing the way poinsettias are bred,
produced, and sold. The US House of
Representatives also noted that National
Poinsettia Day has traditionally been observed
on December 12th for over 150 years to honor
the death of Dr. Joel Poinsett.
Legend
According to Mexican legend, a child knelt
before the altar at her village's church on
Christmas Eve. Since she had no money, she
had no gift to offer to the Christ Child on his
birthday. Her prayers were sincere though,
and through a miracle the first "Flower of the
Holy Night" bloomed at her feet in bright red
and green homage to the holy birth. This was
the birth of the Poinsettia.
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History
Legend
Care
Reblooming Instructions
Toxicity
How to Rebloom
Are Poinsettias Poisonous?
During the Winter
There’s no need to worry about using
Poinsettias to decorate for the holidays.
Although it is a commonly held belief that
Poinsettia plants are poisonous to pets and
children, this is only a myth.
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When surface soil is dry to the touch,
water thoroughly. Discard any excess
water
To prolong color, keep a temperature
range of 60°F for night and 72°F for
day. High humidity is preferable
Place plant away from hot or cold
drafts, and protect from cold winds
Spring, Early March
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Poinsettia Care
• Light: Medium light
areas are best for
When bracts fade, cut stems back to
eight inches above soil line.
Continue to water regularly.
Lightly fertilize with a balanced allpurpose plant food every three to four
weeks.
When temperatures are warm, place
plant outdoors; first in indirect, then
direct sunlight. Avoid temperatures
below 50°F throughout the summer.
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Cut back new growth stems. Repot if
needed.
• Water: Water when the soil surface becomes
Fall, Early September
dry.
• Temperature: Keep at temperatures between
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Move plant inside. Provide six or more
hours of direct light.
60° and 70°F, or 15° and 21°C.
Fall, October – December
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Children’s Hospital in Pittsburg found that in
reported Poinsettia exposure cases, none
were fatal, 92% resulted in no effects at all,
and only 4% needed evaluation or treatment at
a healthcare facility.
For your pets, the American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that
the poinsettia could be "irritating to the mouth
and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting, but
generally over-rated in toxicity."
Summer, Early July
Poinsettias, but they will tolerate low light.
Avoid full sun to prevent burned leaves.
Colorado State University concluded that a 50
pound child would need to eat over 500 of the
bitter tasting bracts (leaves/petals) to reach the
levels tested for in an OSU study, which were
not considered toxic.
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Confine plant to complete darkness for
14 hours, giving it 10 hours of natural
light daily. This will set the buds and
cause the bracts to color.
So use poinsettias freely when decorating,
they are safe for the whole family!