Are Poinsettia plants an American tradition?? Poinsettias are native to Mexico and where introduced to the United States in 1825 by Joel Poinsette, the first American ambassador to Mexico. December 12 is the official Poinsettia Day of the year. because it falls during the traditional season for the plant and because it was the day of Joel Poinsettes death. The Aztecs called the poinsettia Cuetlaxochitl and they made a reddish purple dye from the bracts. No, it’s not the l;eaves that are red, those are actually called bracts. These days 90% of all poinsettias are exported from the United States. Although the Paul Ecke Ranch in California grows over 80% of poinsettias in US for the wholesale market, they are grown successfully in all 50 states.
There are over 100 varieties of poinsettias available and they are not all red but 74% of Americans still prefer red poinsettias, 8% prefer white and 6% pink. It’s a 220 million $ industry each holiday season and that includes all colors. 80% of poinsettias are purchased by women and 80% of poinsettia purchasers are 40 years and older.
It is important to select the best plant for your home environment, here a few selection pointers.

• Choose a plant with dark green foliage down to the soil line
• Choose bracts (modified leaves) that are completely colored
• Do not purchase poinsettias with a lot of green around the bract edges
• Do not choose plants with fallen or yellowed leaves
• The poinsettia should look full, balanced and attractive from all sites
• The plant should be 2.5 times taller than the diameter of the container

With care, poinsettias should retain their beauty for weeks and some varieties will stay attractive for month.
When you buy your poinsettia here in La Paz, Mexico don’t ask for poinsettia, ask for noche buena. That’s what Mexicans call the little plant. Literally it means good night but what it means in this context is holy night.

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Fall 2010 coming to La Paz: 43rd SCORE Tecate Baja 1000.