1. Poinsettias

2. Poinsettia Facts
The Poinsettia is the MOST popular Christmas season plant.
It was introduced to the United States in the late 1820’s from its native Mexico.
In the wild they can grow to ten feet tall
The colored part that are thought of as flowers are actually modified leaves called bracts.

3. Poinsettias are not poisonous as thought.
In recent studies at The Ohio State University showed that a 50 pound child that ate 500 bracts might have a slight tummy ache.
Poinsettias represent over 85% of the potted plant sales during the holiday season.
90% of Poinsettias are exported from the United States.

4. There are over 100 varieties of Poinsettias available.
$220 Million dollars worth of Poinsettias are sold during the holiday season.
Americans prefer:
74% Red
8% White
6% Pink

5. Poinsettias are commercially grown in all states.
California is the top Poinsettia producing state.
December 12th is National Poinsettia Day.
The Paul Ecke Ranch in California grows over 80% of the Poinsettias in the United States for the wholesale market.

6. 80% of Poinsettias are purchased by women.
80% of people who purchase Poinsettias are over 40 years old.
Poinsettias are the best selling potted plant in the United States.
Most Poinsettias are sold within a 6 week period.
60 million pots were grown in 1997.

7. The cost is usually determined by the number of blooms.
Paul Ecke first introduced Poinsettias
On the Tonight Show with
Johnny Carson.

8. Selecting a Poinsettia
Choose a plant with dark green foliage down to the soil.
Choose bracts that are completely colored.
Do not purchase Poinsettias with a lot of green around the bract edges.
Do not choose a plant with fallen or yellowed leaves

9. The Poinsettia should be full, balanced, and attractive from all sides.
The plant should be 2.5 times taller than the diameter of the container.
Choose plants that are not drooping or wilting.

10. Check the plant’s soil. If it’s wet and wilted, this could be an indication of root rot.
When you take a Poinsettia outside in temperature below 50 degrees F, be sure to cover it.

11. Poinsettia Care
Keep it in a sunny window, not touching any cold windows.
Keep it away from warm or cold drafts (open windows or doors).
Check soil moisture daily.
They are grown at temperatures of degrees F with a relative high humidity and full sun.

12. When the soil feels dry to the touch or appears lighter in color, water thoroughly.
Always add enough water so that it drains from the pot.
Do not allow pot to stand in excess water; excess water deprives the roots of oxygen and causes roots to die and eventually rot.

13. A wilted plant may drop its leaves prematurely.
If wilting does occur, water the plant thoroughly to moisten the soil, then re-water again in minutes.
Water the plant under the
Bracts. Do not allow water
On the bracts.