The Poinsettia (Weihnachtsstern)

The Poinsettia is native to Mexico. It has been associated with the Christmas season because the Mexicans thought the plants were symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem. The plant was brought to America over 100 years ago by Dr. Joel Poinsett, our first ambassador to Mexico. In Mexico it is an old custom to take flowers to church on Christmas Eve and place them at the altar in honor of the birth of Jesus. One of the legend of the poinsettia goes like this ... Each Christmas Eve, the villagers would go to the church and take beautiful flowers to the baby Jesus. Young Mario would only follow the procession and watch because he was too poor to buy flowers for the Christ Child -- this made him very sad. One year he was kneeling outside the church crying because he had no flowers to give. A voice from the stone angel near the church whispered to Mario to pick the weeds and take them inside to Jesus. When Mario replied he couldn't give the Baby Jesus weeds, the angel told him that the simplest gifts, when given with love, are the most beautiful. Mario picked the weeds and took them into the church. As he placed the weeds into the crib the brown stalks turned green and the dried leaves turned into a beautiful scarlet flower. The Mexicans call this beautiful flower the "Flor de la Noche Buena," or the Flower of the Holy Night. Source: The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum Here are some care and handling tips for your own holiday classic from the experts at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM: When purchasing your plant, select a poinsettia with dark green foliage, strong, stiff stems, and completely-colored flowers. Make sure your plant has no fallen or yellow leaves and that it is fully balanced and attractive from all sides. Poinsettias thrive on bright, sunny natural daylight. Place your plant in indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day. Keep your room temperature between 68 to 70 degrees. Do not place your plant near drafts, heating vents, or appliances. Water the plant when the soil surface feels dry to a light touch. It’s very important not to allow your plant to sit in standing water. It is not necessary to fertilize your poinsettias when they are in bloom. However, after the holidays, a balanced, all-purpose household plant fertilizer will help maintain the rich, green foliage color and promote new growth. Do not place your poinsettia outside, as the plant is sensitive to chilling temperatures.

©Virtual Vienna Net 1998-2006