Growing up each year we would pick out a poinsettia and bring it to our church, throughout the month of December to remember loved ones. The splash of holiday colors transformed any setting, but you can imagine how great a display of 25 or more looked. Next to a large Christmas tree, even as kids we thought it was magical. Me, being the 'flower child', I was especially drawn to them.
Poinsettias traditionally have been in shades of reds, however that has changed drastically with modern horticultural breeding programs.You can now find whites, dark pinks, light pinks, hot pinks, purples, speckled, two toned, or even artificially altered- hand painted or glittered poinsettias. There are also numerous leaf shapes and flower forms, such as the Carousel series-my favorite!
Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are NOT poisonous. According to the American Society of Florists, poinsettias were first rumored to be poisonous around 1919 when an Army officer's son supposedly died of ingesting large amounts of leaves from this plant. Numerous children's hospitals have studied this and have not been able to link serious health issues to this plant. Paul Ecke, one of the most active promoters of poinsettias even appeared on a late night show, eating poinsettia leaves to prove they are not hazardous! That is a bit extreme and I will take his word for it...
Poinsettias are available almost everywhere- you may find them at your local independent garden center, florist shop, grocery store, home improvement stores-almost everywhere. If you decide to purchase one, it is best to have it covered by a plastic sleeve. Poinsettias are very cold sensitive (after all, they are a native of Mexico). Decorate in your home, but be cautious about warm or cold drafty areas- this has a tendency to cause stress, which leads to an unsightly plant. Water your poinsettia whenever it is slightly dry to the touch. Unfortunately, they fall victim to over watering. My college professor once said, its best to underwater than over-water. That holds true with most plants (thanks Dr. Gladon).
After the holidays, most people generally toss them. If not, you may treat it as a houseplant and the leaves will gradually turn green. With some extra work and patience, you may see some blooms during the next year.
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