Poinsettia Care

The euphorbia pulcherrima, or as it is more commonly called, poinsettia, is a flowering shrub indigenous to Central America. Although it grows naturally in Central America, its popularity has spread all over the world. The plant is more usually seen with beautiful red and green leaves. As these are the colours that symbolise Christmas, poinsettias have also come to be associated with this festive season.

The Origins of Christmas Poinsettia.

The poinsettia was not always associated with Christmas. Originally, the plant was used as a medication and red dye for the Aztecs. According to legend, poinsettias first became Christmas ornaments during the 16th century, when a young girl planted weeds in front of a church in celebration of Christ's birthday. The weeds grew into colourful plants with a star-shaped pattern said to represent the Star of Bethlehem.

Today, these beautiful shrubs are given as Christmas gifts or used for festive decorations. Although there are many types of Christmas flower arrangements, poinsettias are always a popular choice. With the proper poinsettia care, these plants can easily last a long time and well into the Spring of the new year. In fact, in ideal conditions the plants can last several years and - it is not necessary to throw away a perfectly good poinsettia plant just because the Christmas season is over.

Poinsettia Care Tips

Poinsettia, being native to hotter climates, means they need special care to survive and thrive indoors Ireland. Poinsettia care requires plenty of bright light to stay alive. They cannot tolerate temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius for any length of time or they will quickly die. They don't like draughts so take extra care when transporting them - even a short trip from shop to car in windy weather can be enough to make them wilt from cold exposure. 

Another common mistake people make in Poinsettia care is watering them too often. Putting the plant in a bright, warm area and limiting watering is enough to keep it healthy for a long time - water sparingly but avoid letting the soil completely dry out.

Poinsettia Colours 

The most popular Poinsettia colour is of course the red variety so ubiquitous at Christmas but unusually it is the bracts, a type of leaf, that gives the Poinsettia plant their dramatic colours and not the flower. The poinsettia flower is a small yellow growth between the coloured bracts. 

Poinsettia are available in a variety of other colour shades including shades of green , yellow, peach orange and event white.

Blooming Amazing Flower Company offer a wide array of plants and fresh flowers which can be bought in-store, online or by phone for collection or for same day delivery in Dublin. They make great gifts and are ideal for home or office purposes.

You can view our selection seasonal plants here.