30s Magazine

For a guaranteed wow-effect in your Christmas decor, the Poinsettia never disappoints. The opulent star-shaped plant is the undisputed cult plant of Advent and Christmas. In many countries the Poinsettia is a popular gift as a gesture of love or friendship during the Advent period or at Christmas. The plant comes in a variety of colours, making it suitable for any interior style. When playing with the extensive colour palette, beautiful decorations can be created. Although the vibrant red variety is most popular, there are many more colours from antique peach to deep maroon, cinammon hues, barbie pink, yellow, ombre, stripes and spatters.

The history of the Poinsettia

Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first US-American ambassador to Mexico was so fascinated by the poinsettias growing wild in the Central American countryside that he brought the plant back from Mexico to the USA in 1828, sending it to friends and botanical gardens all over the country. The beautiful star rapidly gained recognition and officially received the name “poinsettia” in 1836 in memory of the man who had “discovered” it.

Buying the right Poinsettia

If your poinsettia wasn‘t treated properly before you bought it, it’s probably not going to last, but it’s easy to spot shop staff who don’t know the plant’s secrets. Never buy a poinsettia that sat next to a set of automatic doors that open every 30 seconds, because it will have been damaged by those cold winter winds .If possible, check your poinsettia‘s soil before buying. It should be neither dripping wet nor totally dry, and if it is, it’s probably not been given proper TLC so might not last in your care. Finally, when you’ve chosen your poinsettia, make sure to wrap it up warm for the journey home. Check the quality of the plant before you buy it. Dense foliage and yellow-green budding flowers in-between the coloured bracts are a sure sign of quality.

Taking care of the Poinsettia

The Poinsettia has kind of a bad rep as many people find it difficult to keep. However this is really not the case. As long as you keep it in moderate temperatures between 15-20 degrees Celsius, out of breezy spaces (they hate drought), and not on a window sill above the central heating, it’ll be fine. Poinsettias love warmth and light. Just remember that they originate from Mexico. Also don’t over-water it or it’ll loose it leaves. Don’t water it from above but rather put it in some luke warm water to soak up from the roots up for 10 minutes max. To use poinsettia leaves as fresh flowers in a vase, cut the bracts, dip the cut end in boiling water for 20 seconds, then immediately in cold water, and you’re ready to arrange.