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Indoor Holiday Plants and the Poinsettia Plant

Posted by Southern Botanical, Inc. in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX on Nov 22, 2009

One of the greatest things about the holidays is the colorful array of indoor holiday plants that are available in stores, including the poinsettia plant.

The holidays are here. Your garden or porch may not be as colorful anymore and the family is restless. However, we are all looking for ways to enjoy our surroundings while taking time off, and in spite of time and budget constraints, the answer is that everyone could benefit from a little horticulture relief. Growing and tending house plants is not just good for the environment, it’s also good for our own health.

The three most popular indoor holiday plants are Christmas trees, Holly, and Mistletoe. The number one most popular potted plant for the holidays is the poinsettia plant.

There are several kinds of the poinsettia plant. Poinsettias are available in red, pink, white, and red and pink speckled, and pink and white speckled. Glory is a common poinsetta that is available in many areas. Other popular reds are Supjibi, Freedom, and Celebrate.

Leaves are widest near the middle (elliptical), dark green, and very smooth. The leaf also has a lobe near the base. The flower is made up of a cluster of small yellow flowers (cyathia) surrounded by a series of colored modified leaves (bracts). Most poinsettias need bright, indirect sunlight in order to keep the plant growing without fading the bracts. Water daily as the plant needs it, and when the potting mix becomes visibly dry. Fertilizer is not needed. Irrigate with enough water to allow some to come out the bottom of the pot. Be careful not to allow the potting mix to become too dry, as it will not easily become wet again. Remove all dead leaves and faded bracts to help prevent disease and insect problems.

The poinsettia is not a poisonous plant. The American Medical Association has had no confirmed reports of serious or fatal injuries from the ingestion of poinsettia leaves, bracts, stems, or flowers. While the plant is not meant to be eaten, caution should be used when displaying plants around young children and pets. The leaves of poinsettia plants are very fibrous and can cause choking if caught in the throat. Enjoy colorful poinsettias by displaying them out of the reach of curious children and pets.

The poinsettia is native to Mexico. The plant's significance as a symbol of purity came long before that with the Indians of Taxco during the time of Montezuma. The Indians used poinsettas to create dyes and medicines. Franciscan priests who settled Taxco began to use the plant in the Fiesta of Santa Pesebre, a nativity procession, because of its great color and its seasonal bloom time. The poinsettia was first introduced to the United States in 1825 by J. R. Poinsett, Ambassador to Mexico.

The most popular beauties for the holidays may turn out to be beasts if you don’t know how to meet their needs. For example, some plants are more delicate than others and cannot withstand the dry heat or lack of humidity in our homes. Southern Botanical Interiors is used to maintaining all indoor holiday plants, including the poinsettia plant, and will help ensure the beauty of your holiday plants long after the season. We can also help you create festive holiday decorations including wreaths, floral arrangements and luminaries from landscape prunings.

Contact us today for a free consultation!