Carol Cloud Bailey: Enjoy National Poinsettia Day Dec. 12

National Poinsettia Day is Dec. 12 as designated by an act of Congress; the date marks the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett in 1851. While serving as the U. S. ambassador to Mexico, Poinsett was so enchanted by the scarlet red flower that he collected cuttings, sent them back to South Carolina and subsequently was credited with introducing the plant to the United States. The purpose of this day is to enjoy the beauty of this popular holiday plant — so enjoy!

Poinsettias are members of the large (over 7,000 species) Euphorbiaceae family. The plants in this family usually produce milky sap from cut stems that can cause skin irritation in some folks. Euphorbiaceae contains many plants of economic importance — from some that produce rubber to those with ornamental, medicinal or poisonous properties.

Poinsettias are large plants in small pots and generally use a lot of water in most home conditions. Check plants daily; most will require water every 2 to 3 days. Water so that water runs out of the bottom of the pot. Apply water again when the soil begins to dry. Do not allow the plants to stand in water or dry completely. The plants were fertilized heavily at the nursery and will require no supplemental fertilizer during the holidays. If your "points" are dropping leaves, check the light, low light level is the main issue associated with leaf drop.

The poinsettia is a winter flowering shrub, the leaves are somewhat fiddle-shaped and 4 to 7 inches long. The true flowers are the small, yellow structures in the middle of the brilliantly colored modified leaves or bracts. Choose poinsettias for the holidays that still have the true flowers in the center of the bracts; this indicates freshness.


What better way to spend a Saturday and Sunday in the winter than touring a botanical garden? Tropical Ranch Botanical Gardens will end the year with a Bamboo Walk and Talk Tour On Dec. 10-11. Diane Rexroad Haines will lead a tour of the Bamboo Gardens at 10 a.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. The gardens are located at 1905 S.W. Ranch Trail, Stuart. For more info, visit or call 772-283-5565.