By Carolyn Saft,

Suwannee River

Partnership Education Coordinator/Horticulture Extension Agent

The poinsettia plant is the most popular flowering plant during the holiday season. From the 14th to the 16th centuries, Aztecs used the poinsettia leaves to dye fabric for clothing and the sap to help control fevers. The Aztecs considered the red color a symbol of purity and so poinsettias were traditionally a part of their religious ceremonies.

Suwannee County Master Gardener Volunteers celebrated National Poinsettia Day on December 12th by attending the University of Florida’s Poinsettia Field Day in Gainesville. We were astonished at all the new varieties available. Of course, they had the traditional red plants, but we also saw a rainbow of colors, including pink, salmon, peach, burgundy, creamy yellow and even Gator Orange! There were plants with speckled bracts (specialized leaves), marbled bracts and snowy white ones. We had many varieties to choose from, but when it came time to load the van, most of the plants we purchased were the traditional red ones.

Our group stayed consistent with the nationwide trend in sales where the red plants account for approximately three-quarters of all sales. The next popular color was white followed by pink. The poinsettia industry generates about $250 million dollars annually.

The poinsettia’s main attraction is its leaves not its flowers. The colored leafy parts are actually bracts or modified leaves. The flowers of the plant are the yellow/green clustered buds in the center. When selecting plants to buy, choose plants with little or no yellow pollen showing on the flower clusters. Plants that have shed their pollen will soon drop their colorful bracts or leaves.

To prolong the life of your plants, avoid placing them near hot or cold drafts. They are highly sensitive to cold temperatures and even a few minutes of exposure will cause the leaves and bracts to discolor and drop off. Ideal temperatures are 70°-75°F during the day and 60°-65°F during the night. Water them regularly to keep the soil moist, but avoid keeping them soggy. Drying out of the roots will cause premature leaf loss.

The sticky, milky sap can be irritating to people who are allergic to rubber latex plants. If ingested, the plant can cause stomach irritation and discomfort, but it is not considered poisonous to adults, children or pets.

The poinsettia is a short-day plant that blooms when days are short and nights are long. If the dark period is interrupted by artificial light from any source after October 1st, flowering will be delayed or interrupted.

And so our family’s holiday tradition continues. I have selected a stunning red plant for my mom, a creamy white beauty for my Aunt, a funky marbled plant for my Sister and a variety of plants for the Horticulturist of the family. Merry Christmas!

Extension programs are open to all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person needing a special accommodation to participate in any activity should contact the Suwannee County Cooperative Extension Service at 1302 Eleventh Street, SW, Live Oak, Florida 32060 or telephone (386) 362 - 2771 at least five working days prior to the event. Hearing impaired can access the foregoing telephone by contacting the Florida Relay Service at 1 - 800 - 955 - 8770 or 800 - 955 - 8772 (TDD).