and Terry

FonsecaZ

Master Gardener

During the

Christmas season, any home or office may be decorated with bright red

poinsettias, cultivated and mass-produced for holiday decorations.

Even when Christmas

has past, poinsettias can hold onto their beauty for several more months.

Few may be

aware that the Poinsettia (euphorbia pulcherrima) is neither native to

the U.S. nor does it bloom naturally at Christmas time. The plants are

actually indigenous to Mexico and Central America. People in these countries

traditionally celebrate "pascuas" to commemorate Christ's birth

at Christmas and to rejoice his rebirth or resurrection at Easter.

Because the

poinsettia displays its bright red foliage naturally during Easter Holy

Week, the plant was named "Pascuas . " During both religious

holidays the term "pascuas" is commonly heard: "felices

Pascuas" means merry Christmas while "Domingo de Pascua"

translates as Easter Sunday.

Horticulture

is big business, and growers understand the demand for holiday decorations.

Just as Easter lilies (which naturally bloom in August) and Christmas

cacti are commercially manipulated to bloom in time for holiday sales,

the ever-popular poinsettia is manipulated to "bloom" for Christmas.

Under normal

growing conditions, the naturally longer nights and shorter days of winter

trigger the bright color changes in the "flower" petals, which

are actually plant leaves or bracts. The plants' actual blooms are the

small inconspicuous yellow flowerets at the center of each colorful red,

white or pink bract cluster.

Despite its

"unnatural" blooming, the beautiful poinsettia can be enjoyed

before, during and even after Christmas.

To keep plants

looking healthy for several months after the holiday season, light and

water are key. Leaf wilt and dropping leaves are common problems of over-

or under-watering. Poinsettias require bright, indirect light and frequent

watering.

To keep the

plant from becoming too dry, check the soil daily. Low humidity, a common

problem with winter heating, may increase the need for watering.

Take care to

ensure proper drainage. While many holiday plants come wrapped in decorative

foil, it is best to remove the foil or punch a few holes to improve drainage.

Extreme temperature

changes can also cause problems for the poinsettia. Keep the plants clear

of direct heat sources. If placing the poinsettia in a window, do not

allow any portion of the plant to touch a cold window pane.

With these

tips, it will be easy to enjoy the poinsettia during the entire "Pascuas"

season, from Christmas to Easter. Regardless of commercialism or ethnicity,

the poinsettia is a reminder to rejoice and celebrate the universal and

everlasting sentiments of family love, friendship and brotherhood.