Friday, January 4, 2002
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Friday, January 4, 2002 |
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Poinsettias: from Christmas to Easter By Marco Fonseca and Terry
FonsecaZ
During the Christmas season, any home or office may be decorated with bright red poinsettias, cultivated and mass-produced for holiday decorations. Even when Christmas has past, poinsettias can hold onto their beauty for several more months. Few may be aware that the Poinsettia (euphorbia pulcherrima) is neither native to the U.S. nor does it bloom naturally at Christmas time. The plants are actually indigenous to Mexico and Central America. People in these countries traditionally celebrate "pascuas" to commemorate Christ's birth at Christmas and to rejoice his rebirth or resurrection at Easter. Because the poinsettia displays its bright red foliage naturally during Easter Holy Week, the plant was named "Pascuas." During both religious holidays the term "pascuas" is commonly heard: "felices Pascuas" means merry Christmas while "Domingo de Pascua" translates as Easter Sunday. Horticulture is big business, and growers understand the demand for holiday decorations. Just as Easter lilies (which naturally bloom in August) and Christmas cacti are commercially manipulated to bloom in time for holiday sales, the ever-popular poinsettia is manipulated to "bloom" for Christmas. Under normal growing conditions, the naturally longer nights and shorter days of winter trigger the bright color changes in the "flower" petals, which are actually plant leaves or bracts. The plants' actual blooms are the small inconspicuous yellow flowerets at the center of each colorful red, white or pink bract cluster. Despite its "unnatural" blooming, the beautiful poinsettia can be enjoyed before, during and even after Christmas. To keep plants looking healthy for several months after the holiday season, light and water are key. Leaf wilt and dropping leaves are common problems of over- or under-watering. Poinsettias require bright, indirect light and frequent watering. To keep the plant from becoming too dry, check the soil daily. Low humidity, a common problem with winter heating, may increase the need for watering. Take care to ensure proper drainage. While many holiday plants come wrapped in decorative foil, it is best to remove the foil or punch a few holes to improve drainage. Extreme temperature changes can also cause problems for the poinsettia. Keep the plants clear of direct heat sources. If placing the poinsettia in a window, do not allow any portion of the plant to touch a cold window pane. With these tips, it will be easy to enjoy the poinsettia during the entire "Pascuas" season, from Christmas to Easter. Regardless of commercialism or ethnicity, the poinsettia is a reminder to rejoice and celebrate the universal and everlasting sentiments of family love, friendship and brotherhood.
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