The Ohio State University

Home LandscapeNotes The poinsettia has evolved into a symbol of Christmas. With sales of over 52 million plants each Christmas, it easily ranks number one nationally in sales for all flowering potted plants. The plant itself is native to Mexico. It was first noticed by Joel Robert Poinsett, the first United States Ambassador to Mexico (1826-1829), near Taxco, a town south of Mexico City. Impressed with its brilliant red color, he sent some of the plants home to his plantation in Greenville, South Carolina. Joel Poinsett then distributed the plant to his many horticultural friends. A German taxonomist gave it the name Euphorbia pulcherrima, but the common name, poinsettia, remains the accepted and popular name.

Ninety percent of the poinsettias are exported from the United States. The recognized father of commercial poinsettia production was Paul Ecke, a graduate of the Department of Horticulture at The Ohio State University. The Paul Ecke Ranch in California grows over 80 percent of the poinsettias in the United States for the wholesale market. Ninety percent of all flowering poinsettias in the world got their start at the Paul Ecke Ranch.

Maintaining these plants properly can add color to anyone's holiday. Poinsettias are adapted to bright sunny conditions. Placing poinsettias near a sunny window will promote its growth and color. Ideally air temperatures should not exceed 70 F during the day nor fall below 65 F at night. One common problem with poinsettias is the tendency for them to dry out. Poinsettias should not be placed near drafts, excessive heat or where dry air is present. Watering should be done when the soil surface feels dry to the touch. Thoroughly water so that the water seeps through the holes in the bottom of the container. During this time of the year, fertilizing poinsettias is not necessary. However, if the plants are kept longer than 6-8 weeks, fertilization will be necessary.

Posted by Karl Danneberger