Poinsettia

Facts

Botanical Name: Euphorbia pulcherrima

Family: Euphorbiaceae: many plants in this family release a milky sap

Poinsettia is a perennial flowering plant that can grow up to 10 feet tall

The flowers or cyathia of the poinsettia are in teh center of the colorful bracts

Poinsettia plants are not poisonous

Poinsettia's are also called the lobster plant or the flame leaf flower

90 percent of the poinsettia's are exported out of the United States

California is the top producing state of poinsettia's

December 12th is National Poinsettia Day

Over 100 different types of poinsettia's available

Best selling potted plant in America

The cost of the poinsettia is determined by the number of blooms

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

Poinsettia care

6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal

Day time temperatures should be around 60-70° F and night time temperatures around 55° F

Fertilize the flower if you keep it past the growing season

water the Poinsettia when the soil is dray, allow excess water to drain out and then discard the excess water.

 

Link

http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/poinsettia/