SOUTHERN GARDENING
Colorful poinsettias set holiday mood indoors
This is one of my favorite seasons -- but aren ’ t they all ? -- for enjoying my membership in the horticulture community .
Last week , Mississippi State University hosted the first of what we hope will be an annual Poinsettia Open House at the South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville . There were 37 or 38 different poinsettia selections in their full , colorful glory for visitors to see .
The greenhouse was stunning ! The range of colors included red , pink , white and the nontraditional holiday colors of yellow and orange . Also mixed in were speckled , marbled and variegated selections .
It was interesting talking to everyone and asking what they ’ re favorites were . Of course , it was a mixed bag of results . While many like the interesting , novelty colors and forms , the majority also like the traditional red selections .
This is no surprise , as red poinsettias make up about 75 % of sales nationwide in the U . S .
Many of our visitors asked about poinsettias being poisonous to pets . This is one of those urban legends that refuses to die .
The myth of poinsettias being poisonous can be traced back to 1919 when it was reported , though never confirmed , that a small child died after chewing on a poinsettia leaf . This misinformation spread faster and has been more long-lived than anything passed along on social media .
The truth of the matter was settled back in 1971 when researchers at my alma mater , The Ohio State University , reported findings that showed no mortality and no symptoms of toxicity within their test rats .
They speculated that a 50-pound child would have to consume 500 poinsettia leaves for it to be a problem . But this consumption would be self-limiting , as poinsettia leaves taste awful . I have tasted a poinsettia leaf in the name of science , and I can confirm their awful taste .
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ’ pet poison website details that poinsettias are not poisonous to our pets , but they can cause gastrointestinal symptoms . If you ’ re still worried , just keep your beautiful poinsettias out of the reach of the fur babies . The latex sap from these ornamentals is more likely to cause humans some contact dermatitis , especially to those with latex allergies . So always wash your hands after handling a poinsettia . Now for some poinsettia trivia . Did you know that the poinsettia ’ s color is not its flowers ? The color actually comes from modified leaf structures called bracts . Poinsettia flowers are small , peashaped buds called cyathia , which are clustered in the center . For the longest decorating enjoyment , look for plants where the cyathia haven ’ t started to open .
Poinsettias account for about 25 % of all sales of potted flowering plants . In 2017 , over 35 million poinsettias were sold . I personally think this number is too low and that more poinsettias were actually purchased .
In their native Mexico , poinsettias are called Flores de Noche Buena , Flowers of the Holy Night .
So , if you have already brought home some of these beauties , or plan to do so shortly , here are some tips to keep your poinsettia happy for the holidays .
Poinsettias need at least six hours of indirect sunlight and comfortable room temperatures . If you ’ re comfortable , then the poinsettias will be happy in your space . Protect them from temperature changes caused by cold or warm drafts , as either will cause the leaves and bracts to drop .
Poinsettias are sensitive to wet feet , so don ’ t overwater your plants .
Remove the decorative sleeve and water them in the sink , letting the pots completely drain . You can put the decorative sleeve back on after the plant has drained . Use a protective saucer to protect furniture from developing a water ring .
Visit your local , independent garden center and take a couple -- or a dozen -- poinsettias home with you for the holidays .
Dr . Gary R . Bachman , MSU Extension Service
MERIDIAN LIFE