- Author: Edward Walbolt
The fire-engine red Euphorbia pulcherrima boldly announces that the holidays have arrived each year. Most of us simply call it the Poinsettia, but the plant is also known as Zack Wood or noche buena in other regions. Modern America refers to the plant as Poinsettia’s after Joel Roberts Poinsett, an American Minister to Mexico during the early 1800’s. Annually, a week or two before Thanksgiving, local retailers everywhere display and peddle my favorite holiday plant. Every year, I pick up a couple of these plants for my holiday display in my home and at the office. Last year, after the holidays were over, I kept a plant in my kitchen window and eventually planted it outside when early Spring arrived. My effort quickly failed, a few days of frost had murdered my colorful Euphorbia pulcherrima that had since turned entirely dark green before its outdoor demise. The climate in Solano County was not the proper environment to support its sensitive needs. Poinsettias cannot withstand night temperatures cooler than 50 degrees and are not fond of temperatures over 70 degrees either. The poinsettia is not overly thirsty and can thrive if you keep her inside under a window that is exposed to the bright morning sun with less exposure later in the day after the sun heats up more. Last year it was fun to watch the red leaves turn dark green after the holiday season was over. Happy Holidays ~
- Author: Sally Livingston
Poinsettias, Euphorbia pulcherrima, are my favorite holiday plant. Every year, I buy four to six plants to decorate my home. I love the bright red flowers and they add such a festive touch! Plus they are now available in many colors – white, pink, burgundy, etc. Some even have glitter on them to add more sparkle to my home.
Poinsettias require bright light. If possible, place them near a sunny window where it will get the most available sunlight. A window that faces south, east, or west is better than one facing north. A temperature between 65º F and 70º F is ideal during daylight to keep the plant in bloom. Avoid exposing the plant to hot or cold drafts, such as furnace air outlets, which may cause premature leaf drop.
Keep plants well-watered but do not over water. Check the soil daily. When the surface is dry to the touch, water the soil until it runs freely out of drainage hole in the container. A wilted plant may drop its leaves prematurely. Enjoy your plants and happy holidays!