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Elkhorn-Waterloo Assembly #38
and
Luna Chapter #169
Celebrate




December 12 - National Poinsettia Day

That's right!!
The US Congress gave the Poinsettia an official day of recognition.
They are hard to resist at this time of year,especially with all the new colors, shades and swirls.
They'll bloom well into the new year and you may be able to get them to rebloom next Christmas.


Poinsettia History

The Aztecs called poinsettias "Cuetlaxochitl."
During the 14th - 16th century the sap was used to control fevers and
the bracts (modified leaves) were used to make a reddish dye.

Montezuma, the last of the Aztec kings, would have poinsettias
brought into what now is Mexico City by caravans because poinsettias
could not be grown in the high altitude.
Joel Roberts Poinsett was the first United States Ambassador to Mexico being appointed by President John Quincy Adams in the 1820's. At the time of his appointment, Mexico was involved in a civil war. Because of his interest in botany he introduced the American elm into Mexico. During his stay in Mexico he wandered the countryside looking for new plant species. In 1828 he found a beautiful shrub with large red flowers growing next to a road. He took cuttings from the plant and brought them back to his greenhouse in South Carolina. Even though Poinsett had an outstanding career as a United States Congressman and as an ambassador he will always be remembered for introducing the poinsettia into the United States.


Legend of the Poinsettia

A charming story is told of Pepita, a poor Mexican girl who had no gift to present the Christ Child at Christmas Eve Services. As Pepita walked slowly to the chapel with her cousin Pedro, her heart was filled with sadness rather than joy.

"I am sure, Pepita, that even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes," said Pedro consolingly.

Not knowing what else to do, Pepita knelt by the roadside and gathered a handful of common weeds, fashioning them into a small bouquet. Looking at the scraggly bunch of weeds, she felt more saddened and embarrassed than ever by the humbleness of her offering. She fought back a tear as she entered the small village chapel.

As she approached the alter, she remembered Pedro's kind words: "Even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes." She felt her spirit lift as she knelt to lay the bouquet at the foot of the nativity scene.

Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into blooms of brilliant red, and all who saw them were certain that they had witnessed a Christmas miracle right before their eyes.

From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the Flores de Noche Buena, or "e;Flowers of the Holy Night"e:, for they bloomed each year during the Christmas season.

Today, the common name for this plant is the Poinsettia!





Caring
for your
Poinsettia
~~~



How do you get a poinsettia to bloom?

To get a poinsettia to reflower you have to keep it in total darkness between 5 pm and 8 am. Start this around October 1st and continue until color shows on the bracts; usually around early to mid-December. Any little exposure to light can prevent flowering. Covering the plant with a light-proof bag and placing it in a closet might work. Night time temperatures above 70-75°F can decay or prevent flowering.

How can I make my poinsettia last during the holiday season?

  • Place the poinsettia in a sunny window.
  • Do not let any part of plant touch cold window panes.
  • Indoor temperatures from 60 to 70°F is ideal for long plant life.
  • High temperatures will shorten the life of the colorful bracts.
  • Water only when the soil is dry.
  • Placing your poinsettia in a cool room 55 to 60°F at night will extend blooming time.
  • Do not fertilize when plant is in bloom.
  • Avoid temperature fluctuations and warm or cold drafts.

I want to keep my poinsettia plants. When can I take them outside?

Move your poinsettia plant outdoors when all danger of frost has passed. Place it in a sunny area but where it will get moderate shade in the afternoon.

Should I fertilize my poinsettia if I am keeping it past the holiday season?

Fertilize once a month with a water soluble houseplant fertilizer.

How often should I water the poinsettia?

Be sure to remove foil covering drain holes before watering. Water only when the soil is dry. Do not let the poinsettia wilt. Do not let it sit with water in the saucer. Empty the saucer.





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Created October 9, 2008
Last updated February 16, 2009 - (12/12-15) 17
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