Holiday Plant History - Why Do We Have Christmas Plants

Native to Mexico, poinsettias were once cultivated by the Aztecs for use as a fever medicine and to make a red/purple dye. After the Spanish conquest, Christianity became the religion of the region and poinsettias became Christian symbols used in rituals and nativity processions.

What is the traditional Christmas plant?

Holly is found in wreaths, pictured on cards and on top of Christmas puddings. The origin of the holly outlives Christianity, dating back to the Druids who thought holly symbolised everlasting life. Christians adopted the plant as a symbol of Jesus' promise of everlasting life.

Why is the poinsettia associated with Christmas?

The plant's association with Christmas began in 16th-century Mexico, where legend tells of a girl, commonly called Pepita or María, who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus' birthday and was inspired by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar.

What flower is used for Navidad?

Poinsettias: The Christmas Eve Flower.

You may also see it written as La Flor de la Nochebuena, which means Flower of Christmas Eve. In Spain, Puerto Rico, and other Central America countries it's known as Flor de Pascua or Pascua, meaning Christmas Flower.

What is a holiday plant?

Holiday cacti are epiphytes. They grow in the crotches of trees and derive water and nutrition from rains, decaying organic matter, and filtered sunlight. The stems of holiday cacti are composed of flattened stem segments or phylloclades. The leaf-like phylloclades carry on photosynthesis for the plant.

What is the most popular Christmas plant?

Poinsettia – Perhaps the most recognizable flower for Christmas is the poinsettia. Originally sold with bright red and green leaves (the “flowers” are actually leaves on the plant), poinsettias today are sold in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

What is the Christmas plant called?

No flower says Christmas like the beautiful poinsettia. Learn a few facts about this traditional Christmas plant. Poinsettias are part of the Euphorbiaceae or Spurge family. Botanically, the plant is known as Euphorbia pulcherrima.

What country started the tradition of Christmas trees?

Other decorations were added—Martin Luther reportedly first hung lighted candles on a tree in the 16th century—and paradise trees evolved into Christmas trees. By the 19th century, Christmas trees were a firmly established tradition in Germany.

Do poinsettias like sun or shade?

Poinsettias need a minimum of six hours of indirect sunlight each day. Protect the plants from freezing temperatures, especially when transporting them. Place them in a light-filled room away from drafts. They do best in rooms between 55 and 65 F at night and 65 to 70 F during the day.

What does a white poinsettia mean?

What Do White Poinsettias Mean? White poinsettias were once considered to be symbols of purity by the Aztecs, but now it's now the flower for December birthdays. The poinsettia is also said to be a symbol of good cheer, success, and bring with them wishes of happiness and celebrations.

What is Santa Claus called in England?

According to Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (19th edn, 2012), Father Christmas is considered to be "[a] British rather than a US name for Santa Claus, associating him specifically with Christmas.

What plants symbolize?

Region or culture

Flower	Meaning
Aster	Symbol of love, daintiness, talisman of love, trusting
Azalea	Take care, temperance, fragile, gratitude, passion, Chinese symbols of womanhood
Baby's breath	Innocence, purity of heart
Bachelor's button	Happy or blessed celibacy, good luck, wealth

What color were the first Christmas tree lights?

Edward H. Johnson put the very first string of electric Christmas tree lights together in 1882. Johnson, Edison's friend and partner in the Edison's Illumination Company, hand-wired 80 red, white and blue light bulbs and wound them around his Christmas tree.

Can you put a Christmas cactus outside?

Christmas cactus can be moved outdoors in summer but should be kept in a partial to full shaded area. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves. ... During summer, water to keep the growing mix moist after it dries on top.

Is Amaryllis a Christmas flower?

Amaryllis are one of the most amazing flowers. Some of my readers from warmer climates can grow these beauties outdoors, but in non-tropical climates, Amaryllis are grown indoors. The bulbs are big, chunky bulbs and are a popular Christmas flower. Often they are packaged in pretty boxes for gift giving.

How do you take care of Christmas plants?

To maintain your poinsettia bloom, keep temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to protect them from dramatic temperature drops as this will cause their leaves to prematurely wilt. For best results, keep your poinsettia in a warm room and mist it daily.

Is a plant a good Christmas gift?

Plants are a classic gift and appropriate for many occasions. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, graduation or even in sympathy, plants are an appreciated gift.

What is the red Christmas plant called?

Poinsettias are cheery plants that are widely grown indoors over Christmas for their brightly coloured bracts. They are often disposed of once they start to fade, but with a little care, you can keep them all year and the bracts will colour up again the following year.

How long do Christmas flowers last?

Today's poinsettias can last longer than ever, often for months. To help yours stay pretty, follow this advice from Ron Wolford, creator of the Poinsettia Pages: Place your poinsettia in indirect light after bringing it home. Poinsettias need six hours of light daily (fluorescent light will work).

Where is the best place to plant a poinsettia?

Plant them in a sunny, well-drained location protected from north winds and frost. The south side of a house or wall is usually a good spot. Make sure the location receives no artificial light at night from flood lights, street lights or porch lights, as this can prevent poinsettias from blooming properly.

Are poinsettias only for Christmas?

Other fowering plants have become part of the festive scene, but poinsettias alone remain unchallenged as the traditional flower of Christmas. Throughout America, millions of poinsettias will be displayed in homes, offices and public places.

What do I do with my poinsettia after Christmas?

Toss the poinsettia when you grow tired of it or it becomes unattractive. For those home gardeners who enjoy a challenge, it is possible to get the poinsettia to bloom again next season. Cut the stems back to within 4 to 6 inches of the soil in March. The poinsettia may also be repotted at this time.