Poinsettias are America’s favorite holiday plant, with over 100 colorful varieties and a fascinating history. Learn some interesting facts about poinsettias and share them with your greenhouse or nursery customers this holiday season.
Just in time for the holidays, we’ve got 10 fun facts about America’s favorite potted plant: the poinsettia. Feel free to share these with your customers and spread some cheer this holiday season.
1. Poinsettias Are NOT Poisonous
Contrary to what many people believe, poinsettias are not poisonous. According to the National Capital Poison Center, researchers have not been able to determine a poisonous dose. Even experimental doses of up 600 leaves did not induce poisoning. However, eating poinsettias may cause mouth rash and stomach upset in kids and pets. So while not poisonous, it’s still best to keep these plants out of reach of little ones.
2. Poinsettias Are Native to Mexico
Poinsettias are native to Mexico. They’re known in Spanish as Flor de Nochebuena (“flower of the Holy Night”) and in Aztec culture as cuetlaxochitl (“flower that withers”). United States Senator and first US ambassador to Mexico Joel Roberts Poinsett introduced the plants to the United States. He saw Mexican friars using the plants in ceremonies.
3. December 12 Is National Poinsettia Day
December 12 is National Poinsettia Day, but not for the festive reason you think. Though it falls during the holiday season, the day was established on the date Joel Roberts Poinsett died.
4. Poinsettias Are Popular
Poinsettias are the most popular potted plant in the United States. Every year, poinsettias generate approximate $200 million in sales across the country.
5. Poinsettias Come in 100+ Varieties
There are more than 100 types of poinsettias, representing a wide range of size and color variations. From tiny to tall, crimson red to cream, white, striped, and stippled, there’s a poinsettia variety for every preference.
6. Poinsettias Don’t Have Blooms
The red part of the poinsettia people think is its bloom is technically a bract. Bracts are modified leaves. The actual flower on a poinsettia plant is the small, yellow bloom found in the center of its bracts.
7. Light Determines the Color of Poinsettia Bracts
The amount of light a poinsettia plant gets during its growing cycle determines the color of its bracts. To produce the crimson red beloved during the holiday season, the plant needs at least 12 hours of light during the day and no light at night.
8. Poinsettias Need Darkness to Bloom
While light determines their color, darkness decides whether or not the plant’s bracts change color at all. At least 12–14 hours of darkness in a 24-hour period is required for poinsettias to turn their festive colors.
9. Pollinators Love Poinsettias
If you live in a warmer region, try setting your poinsettias outside. The brightly colored bracts can attract pollinators to your garden. Butterflies especially love to visit poinsettia plants.
10. Reblooming Is Possible, But Tricky
You can keep a poinsettia as a houseplant throughout the year, but getting it to rebloom again for the holidays is tricky. The University of Minnesota Extension has a protocol for plant care throughout the year, including how to manage the poinsettia’s need for darkness to change the color of its bracts.
If you’re looking for broad-spectrum disease control for your holiday crop, get in touch with the experts at Phyton or place an order through our distributors or our online store.
Poinsettia FAQs
Are poinsettias poisonous to people or pets?
No, poinsettias are not poisonous, though eating them may cause mild stomach upset or mouth irritation in kids and pets.
Where did poinsettias originate?
Poinsettias are native to Mexico and were introduced to the United States by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico.
What causes poinsettias to turn their festive red color?
Their color changes are controlled by light and darkness. They need long nights (12–14 hours of darkness) to trigger the shift in bract color.
Can poinsettias rebloom after the holidays?
Yes, with proper year-round care and controlled light exposure, poinsettias can rebloom, though it can be challenging to achieve at home.
