The Poinsettia: a Traditional, Festive and Non-Poisonous Plant

BY KAREN PATTERSON

Poinsettias (pronounced "poin-set-e-uh") are as much a part of Christmas decorating as the attractive Douglas fir trees, balsam door swags and pine centerpieces.

Originally a native of Mexico, the poinsettia is now the best-selling flowering potted plant in the United States. This familiar plant, with dark green leaves and colored leaf bracts (modified leaves), are traditionally red, but in recent years color variations have appeared on the market. Now there are over 100 varieties including pink, white, salmon, rose and even plum shades, so they can be mixed and matched depending on the color scheme of the home, though 74 percent of Americans still prefer the red variety.

Poinsettias were named for and introduced into the United States by ambassador and botanist Joel R. Poinsett in the 1820s. It is believed that because his name is so similar to the word "poison," the misconception of the plant’s toxicity developed. However, the plant is not poisonous. This claim has no scientific basis and has been disseminated mainly by the media and passed on by word of mouth. Exhaustive research was conducted by the Entomology Department at Ohio State University in conjunction with the Society of American Florists that proved poinsettias are not lethal. Poison Index, an information resource for national poison control centers, maintains the plant’s safety and sights the example that a 50-pound child who ate 500 bracts might have nothing more than a slight stomach ache.

Not only do poinsettias make a beautiful show in offices and homes during the holidays, but they can be kept for months afterward.

When purchased at Christmas time, the appearance of the yellow pollen on the small flowerlike buds in the center of the bracts indicates that the poinsettia is fresh. Once the plant has shed this pollen, however, it will soon drop its colorful bracts. Place the plant in a sunny window with indoor temperatures from 60 to 70 degrees F.

Many methods are recommended to encourage poinsettias to reflower if they are held over from year to year, and exposure to daylight is crucial. It is recommended that they be kept in total darkness between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. beginning around Oct. 1 until early to mid-December when color begins to show on the bracts.

Humidity and temperature control are key to successfully growing them. They should be kept at a consistent temperature of 60 degrees or above with an average humidity of 60 to 70 percent. Since this humidity level is higher than the average home's, the plants may do better in a humidity-controlled environment such as a greenhouse or in a room with a fan-type humidifier. Ideally, they should be fertilized weekly with Miracle-Gro or a similar product, though slow-release fertilizer spikes work best because they can be placed directly into the soil.

Poinsettias can be taken outside during the summer, but should be kept in the shade and brought into the house before the temperature drops below 60 degrees F.


Karen Patterson is a master gardener and the author of Heavenly Herbs and Herbs for All Seasons, which won the National Publishers Freedom Award, the Apex Award for Publication Excellence and the Writers Digest Award of Merit. She lives in Chillicothe, Ohio.