The poinsettia plant (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is native to Mexico’s Central and Southern regions, where it grows as a perennial that may reach eight to ten feet in height. It was domesticated in pre-Hispanic times, used to dye textiles and treasured as a tribute to gods, such as no other than Tonantzin (Our Lady, Our Mother); its Nahuatl name cuetlaxochitl means “wilted flower” maybe from the plant’s habit to shed in a cascade of leaves, often leaving the thin branches in a shambles.
In colonial Mexico, poinsettias became a popular decoration for the Christmas season since at least the 17th century; they started to appear in Franciscan Nativity processions during Spanish rule, as the plant’s specialized top leaves, called bracts, naturally turned bright red in the month of December, when flowers were probably scarce. Some legends claim that when these plants were brought inside a church for the first time on Christmas Eve, they “miraculously bloomed” overnight. Since then, the Spanish name for them has been “La Flor de Nochebuena,” which translated directly into English means “The Holy Night (Christmas Eve) Flower.”
Later on, shortly after Mexico became an independent nation, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Joel R. Poinsett, also a botanist, was enchanted by the plants. In 1828, he sent some cuttings to his home in South Carolina, and gave some samples to his horticultural friends. One of them, Paul Ecke, developed a technique which caused seedlings to branch, providing a bridge for the limited cultivation of the Christmas Eve flower to become a flourishing industry. Around that time, the English name “Poinsettia” was adopted, in honour of the diplomat.
Today, the poinsettia is the best selling potted plant in North America, and it can be found in many shades besides the classic red, such as white, pink, gold, and even variegated, not only adorning gardens and churches, but many homes and public places. I remember being marvelled by the size of the outdoor perennials peeking over house fences or at botanical gardens in Mexico since my early childhood, and either buying, getting or giving at least one potted poinsettia every Christmas time. This year was not the exception, and in spite of the many varieties available, my favourite is still the original bright red Nochebuena.
FUN FACT: Poinsettias are photoperiodic plants, which means that they are sensitive to the amount of light they receive due to seasonal changes. As mentioned above, the top leaves (bracts) naturally turn red (or other colours) in winter, when nights are the longest. In cold climate regions, such as Canada, in order to reproduce this condition indoors, potted plants are placed in closets or basements at night, for around 11 hours of complete darkness, “forcing” the poinsettia’s cycle into an artificial long night. This could explain the sudden coloration appearing after poinsettias were brought inside churches – often dark – near Christmas Eve, just a few days after the winter solstice, the longest night of the year.
ANOTHER FUN FACT: There is a Noche Buena™ brand beer produced in Mexico since 1924, which is only available from October to December. It was first produced by the company founders, German beer masters who brewed small batches of a special Bock style beer for themselves. It was so successful also as gifts to friends and employees, that they began to produce it commercially, also in small batches, for the holiday season. It is described as a dark beer with robust body, suitable to be enjoyed during the cool winter time.
LAST FUN FACT: One of the best known cheese companies in Mexico is also named Nochebuena™, after the plant, with more than 70 years in the market. I could not find the history of this company, but I remember there was one of their own stores within walking distance from my family’s apartment building in Mexico City, and I would often stop by after school as an undergrad, and buy cheese to bring home, yummy!
My Slice of Mexico 
An interesting article. Thanks for sharing.
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I am glad you liked it!
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Dearest Irene, Thank you for letting people know about Joel Poinsett. If I hear one more “point-setta” I will scream. Most people are woefully ignorant about a lot of things (my opinion only)but even if they don’t know about Joel they just have to follow the spelling. You are giving your readers a great deal of info every time you post a blog. Thank you again. No more Point-settas. Love you, Anya
Irene posted: “The poinsettia plant (Euphoria pulcherrima) is native to Mexico’s Central and Southern regions, where it grows as a perennial that may reach eight to ten feet in height. It was domesticated in pre-Hispanic times, used to dye textiles and treasured as a t”
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ha ha ha, I guess in my mind they are always Nochebuenas, so it does not bother me that much, but I hope my humble post will prevent a few mispronunciations. Love you too, Anya, thank you for your comment!
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Wow I didn’t know they grew to that size in the right climate. I love poinsettias and had a lush one, which was actually 2 or 3 all put into the same pot, until this fall, when it was left outside and got frozen 😦 Interesting history also.
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Oh, too bad about your poinsettia! I might try to keep mine alive this year; I usually overwater them, though 😦
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Yes, poinsettias are fickle. They need to dry out between waterings but not so long they wither. Also, those colorful wrappings they cover the pots with can kill them quick as they hold too much water. I need to get out to Menards, my favorite box store. They always have beautiful poinsettias and even bring in orchids. I bet orchids grow outside in Mexico also, don’t they.
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Thank you for the tips with the poinsettia; I will remove the wrap and place a tray underneath instead. I am not sure about the orchids, I suspect there must be a few varieties that do grow outdoors, but for others it could be too wet outside.
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So much good, interesting information!
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Thank you so much, Linda, I am so glad you enjoyed it!
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Very interesting history! I remember the first time I saw tall, perennial poinsettias in Southern California. I had no idea they grew like that. I think spell-checker got the better of you on the scientific name (though Euphoria has a nice ring).
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Grr, remember that annoying clip editor? At least it gave you a warning before taking the liberty of changing spelling. Thank you, Eilene I will go take care of that!
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Really lovely.
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Thank you!
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Your welcome indeed
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Irene, this is fascinating. The poinsettias are popular Christmas gifts in Australia. But my experience is that once they flower, they rapidly die. Of course, Christmas here is when the nights are shortest and it is very hot. They must be so confused. Poor things.
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Oh, yes, I bet they would do better in your winter season as “The June Flower”; maybe taking them outside after Christmas would help. I always overwater mine; MsJadeli said the shinny wrapper does not allow for proper draining, so I have removed it from my pot and placed a tray underneath.
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It is too hot for them after Christmas, Irene. Some days are 40c. I think being forced to flower at the wrong time of year just ends in tragedy.
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Thanks for sharing this! I love poinsettias. 🙂 I hope my potted plant lasts till next Christmas. 🙂
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I hope mine make it, as well! MsJadeli wrote a comment suggesting that removing the wrap (and placing the pot on a tray or plate) helps the soil drain in between waterings, which the poinsettias need to thrive.
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What a fabulous and informative post! I love poinsettias. I’ve never seen them in Mexico, but I’ve seen them wild in Hawaii, which is so fun. Feliz Navidad!
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