Poinsettia, also known as the Christmas Star, is a stunning houseplant that brings a warm and festive atmosphere to your home during the holidays. With it's striking red leaves and symbolic meaning, the Poinsettia is a favourite addition to Christmas decorations. Discover why this plant is so unique and how to fully enjoy its beauty in your own home. We have a beautiful selection for you in our garden centre at Newcastle upon Tyne.
Origin of the Poinsettia
Poinsettia originally hail from Mexico, where it is a popular plant during the Christmas season. The story goes that a poor girl named Maria had no gift to offer to Jesus during the Christmas celebration. She was advised to pick weeds by the side of the road and present it as an offering. When she placed the plant on the altar, it transformed into a beautiful blooming Christmas star. This legend has contributed to the symbolism of the Christmas Star as a sign of hope and miracles.
Caring for your Poinsettia
To fully enjoy the beauty of your Poinsettia, it is essential to care for it properly.
- Place the plant in a bright spot, but avoid direct sunlight
- The Christmas star thrives at a moderate room temperature, so ensure it doesn't get too cold
- Watering is also crucial. Keep the soil moist, but avoid letting the plant sit in water. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so monitor the soil's humidity
Meaning of the red leaves
The striking red leaves of the Poinsettia are not actually flower petals, but bracts that cover the small, inconspicuous flowers. The red colour symbolizes love and passion, making the Christmas star the perfect plant to bring into your home during the romantic Christmas period. The contrasting leaves add a touch of warmth to your interior, completing the Christmas atmosphere. Poinsettia are also available in white, pink, and mixed colours, ensuring there's a Christmas star to suit your interior!
Creative decoration options with a Poinsettia
In addition to placing Poinsettia in a standard flower pot, there are numerous creative ways to incorporate this beautiful plant into your Christmas decorations. For example, arrange multiple Poinsettia in different sizes for an impressive centrepiece. They can also serve as festive table decorations in shiny pots or vases.
Another creative option is to include Poinsettia in garlands or wreaths. Add some Christmas balls and ribbons for an extra festive touch. Hang these decorations on an internal door, staircase, or wall to transform your home into a winter wonderland in no time.
Extending the blooming period
Proper care allows your Poinsettia to maintain its beautifully coloured leaves for weeks. Ensure not to expose the plant to draughts, as this can damage the leaves. Also, avoid sudden temperature changes, such as opening windows in winter. By following these simple guidelines, you can extend the blooming period of your plant and enjoy it even longer.
Buy the ultimate houseplant this Christmas
The Poinsettia houseplant is a beautiful addition to your Christmas decorations and carries a symbolic meaning of love and hope. This makes these plants an excellent gift during the holidays. A Poinsettia is a thoughtful gift for a friend or family member. With the proper care and a touch of creativity, you can transform a Poinsettia into a radiant centrepiece of your festive interior, perhaps by using it in a Christmas wreath. So, bring the magic into your home and let your Christmas celebration shine! Visit our garden centre at Newcastle upon Tyne this week for the most beautiful varieties, all British grown for hardier, top quality plants.