Bright red poinsettias are one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday season. National Poinsettia Day, on December 12, celebrates this festive plant and the date of death of Joel Roberts Poinsett, the American diplomat who introduced it to the United States. Poinsettias are the best-selling potted plant in the U.S., filling homes, churches and storefronts each December. They're also more interesting than they look: those bright 'petals' aren't flowers at all.
History of National Poinsettia Day
Poinsettias are native to Mexico and Central America, where they grow as shrubs or small trees. The Aztecs called the plant 'cuetlaxochitl' and used it to make dye and for medicinal purposes. In the 1600s, Franciscan friars in Mexico began using the plant in Christmas celebrations, and a Mexican legend tells of a poor girl whose humble gift of weeds bloomed into red flowers at a church altar. In Mexico, the plant is known as 'flor de Nochebuena', or Christmas Eve flower.
Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. minister to Mexico and an amateur botanist, encountered the plant in the 1820s and sent cuttings home to South Carolina in 1828. The plant became known in the United States by his name.
In the 20th century, the Ecke family in California helped turn poinsettias into a holiday staple, developing varieties suited to growing indoors and promoting them through television and magazines. Poinsett died on December 12, 1851, and the date became associated with the plant.
Why National Poinsettia Day Matters
Poinsettias bring color to the darkest weeks of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and they're a link between Mexican, American and Christian holiday traditions.
The day is also a good reminder about plant care and pet safety. Poinsettias are often wrongly believed to be deadly, but they're only mildly irritating if eaten.
How to Celebrate National Poinsettia Day
- Buy a poinsettia from a local nursery or florist, and keep it away from cold drafts.
- Water correctly: water when the soil surface feels dry, and don't let it sit in water.
- Try a new color: look for white, pink, marbled or speckled varieties.
- Learn the legend: read the Mexican story of the flor de Nochebuena.
- Keep it going: with the right light schedule, a poinsettia can re-color next year.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, place a few poinsettias around the office or reception area for a festive touch, or give one to a colleague who's been especially helpful. Remember to keep plants away from cold doorways. In classrooms, poinsettias are a great way to teach plant biology: students can examine the bracts and the small flowers in the center and learn how day length triggers color change. History lessons can explore Joel Poinsett and early U.S.-Mexico relations. At home, choose a healthy plant with no fallen leaves, wrap it well for the trip home, and place it in bright, indirect light. Families with pets can enjoy them safely by keeping them out of reach.
Fun Facts About National Poinsettia Day
- The colored 'petals' are actually bracts, a type of leaf.
- The tiny yellow buds in the center are the actual flowers.
- In Mexico, the plant is called 'flor de Nochebuena'.
National Poinsettia Day FAQs
When is National Poinsettia Day?
National Poinsettia Day is December 12.
Are poinsettias poisonous to pets?
They're mildly irritating if eaten but not considered deadly. Keep them out of reach and call a vet if your pet eats a lot.
Why are poinsettias red?
The red parts are bracts, leaves that change color when nights are long.
How long do poinsettias last?
With good care, they can stay colorful for several weeks, and longer as a houseplant.