Well, hello darlings! It's been a while since I've written a post, let alone plant posts, so I apologize. The reason for that is that I had university tests and I've been dealing with this weird feeling that I can only describe as emptiness, that makes me have low will, even on stuff I love. But never fear! I'm back with a plant that is right on point with the season: Poinsettia!

I'll admit it, I'm not a Winter person, even though it's cold and most plants are dormant, I like Christmas and snowy landscapes. This red beauty (Euphorbia pulcherrima) happens to be one of the few plants that bloom around Christmas (in the Northern Hemisphere) and for that is gets its common name: Christmas Star. This plant originates from North America, more specifically Mexico, and It can bloom in red, pink, white and cream. If you see other colors, they are most likely reproduced by human hands. My favorites are the pink ones.

One thing many people don't seem to know is that the large vibrant petals are actually bracts that protect the teensy tiny yellow flower at the center. They prefer short days to bloom and spots with few hours of direct sunlight, hence why they bloom in this season. They are great houseplants and you can keep it alive all year with moderate watering and placing them on an indirect sunlight spot. 

WARNING: This plant's sap is toxic, if consumed, it can cause nausea, skin and stomach irritation and if for any misfortune you get it on your eyes, it can cause temporary blindness. If consumed in high quantities it can be fatal. So if you want to get one, I suggest you keep it way from your pets or children. If your pets/children eventually eat one leaf, the reaction can be mild, or maybe won't do anything at all, since we all have different levels of sensitivity, but to be safe, always WASH your hands after handling the plant, removing leaves, pruning or repotting. 

This plant gained its significance with a legend.

In Mexico, in the 16th century, a poor girl was heading with her family to church to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus but she felt sad because she had nothing to offer Him. Her cousin said that she could give Him anything as long it was given with love.The child then proceeded to gather twigs and weeds from the path. As they arrived to the church, she started crying because she noticed how simple her gift was compared to the luxurious gifts from other people. Nonetheless, she headed to the altar to place the gift and suddenly, the red leaves became vibrant red and everyone was amazed. it was a Christmas miracle. From then on, the beautiful flower was named the Christmas flower.

So there you go, if you don't know what to offer this Christmas, follow the little girl's example and give someone a Poinsettia, with lots of love! ♥