What is the Origin of Poinsettia Plant Rebloom

The poinsettia plant, with its vibrant red leaves, is a beloved symbol of the holiday season. It is often used as a decorative plant during Christmas and can be found in homes, offices, and public spaces. But have you ever wondered where the tradition of poinsettias reblooming during the holiday season originated? In this article, we will explore the fascinating history behind the poinsettia plant rebloom.

The Legend of the Poinsettia

The poinsettia plant (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is native to Mexico and Central America. The Aztecs, who inhabited these regions before the arrival of Europeans, called the plant “Cuetlaxochitl.” According to a Mexican legend, a young girl named Pepita was too poor to buy a gift to present to Jesus on Christmas Eve. She was advised by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar. Pepita followed the angel’s instructions and miraculously, the weeds transformed into beautiful red flowers, which we now know as poinsettias.

Poinsettias and Christmas

The association between poinsettias and Christmas dates back to the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mexico. These early explorers were captivated by the beauty of the poinsettia plant and its resemblance to the Star of Bethlehem. They believed that its vibrant red leaves symbolized the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As a result, poinsettias became closely associated with Christmas celebrations in Mexico.

Joel Poinsett and Poinsettias in America

The introduction of poinsettias to America can be credited to Joel Poinsett, an American diplomat and botanist. Poinsett served as the United States Ambassador to Mexico during the 1820s. During his time in Mexico, Poinsett became enchanted by the vibrant red flowers of the poinsettia plant and started sending them back to his home in South Carolina.

Poinsett shared these plants with his friends and fellow botanists, who were equally captivated by their beauty. The plant was eventually named “poinsettia” in honor of Joel Poinsett’s efforts in introducing the plant to America.

Poinsettias and Reblooming

Poinsettias are known for their unique ability to rebloom during the holiday season. The process of reblooming involves manipulating the plant’s exposure to light and darkness, mimicking the natural conditions that trigger blooming in its native habitat.

Poinsettias are short-day plants, which means they require long periods of darkness to initiate the blooming process. In their natural environment, poinsettias bloom during the shorter days of winter. To encourage poinsettias to rebloom, it is essential to provide them with at least 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each day for several weeks leading up to the desired blooming period.

This process can be challenging for individual gardeners to replicate at home. Commercial growers often use specialized greenhouses equipped with light-blocking curtains to regulate the amount of light exposure. This allows them to control the blooming cycle and ensure that poinsettias are ready for sale during the holiday season.

The Poinsettia Capital of the World

The city of Ecke, California, holds the title of “Poinsettia Capital of the World.” This small town became synonymous with poinsettia production after Paul Ecke Sr., a horticulturist, moved his family’s poinsettia farm there in 1923. The Ecke family played a significant role in popularizing poinsettias as a holiday plant in America and helped develop new varieties with larger, more vibrant flowers.

For many years, the Ecke family had a monopoly on poinsettia production, supplying the majority of plants sold in the United States. However, in recent years, competition from other growers and changing consumer preferences have led to a decline in the Ecke family’s dominance in the market.

Conclusion

The tradition of poinsettias reblooming during the holiday season can be traced back to its association with Christmas celebrations in Mexico and its introduction to America by Joel Poinsett. Through careful manipulation of light and darkness, poinsettias can be encouraged to rebloom, adding a touch of festive cheer to homes and public spaces during the holiday season. So next time you admire a poinsettia plant, remember its rich history and the legends that surround it.