Classic · December 8
Poinsettia: Mexico’s Christmas flower
Before becoming the Christmas flower for half the world, it was the cuetlaxóchitl of the Mexica. Every December 8 Mexico celebrates its day and the season for giving it begins.
- Scientific name
- Euphorbia pulcherrimanative to Mexico
- In Nahuatl
- Cuetlaxóchitl“flower that wilts”
- National day
- December 8Mexico
- Other names
- Nochebuena, flor de Pascuaestrella federal
A Mexican flower: the cuetlaxóchitl
The poinsettia is native to Mexico. The Mexica called it cuetlaxóchitl, usually translated as “flower that wilts”, and used it in ceremonies and to make red dyes. It grew wild in temperate areas, and today it can still be found in its natural state in states such as Guerrero, Morelos or Oaxaca.
After the conquest, Franciscan friars began using it to decorate nativity scenes, because its red color coincides with the Christmas season. Hence its Mexican name, Nochebuena (Christmas Eve).
December 8, National Poinsettia Day
Every December 8 Mexico celebrates National Poinsettia Day (Día Nacional de la Flor de Nochebuena), to champion its Mexican origin and support growers. It is the starting gun of the season: homes, churches and offices fill with red pots, and it is a common gift for hosts, relatives and coworkers.
| Date | What is celebrated and why | Flower | Color | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| every year | National Poinsettia Day (Mexico) The Christmas flower is Mexican: in Nahuatl it is called cuetlaxóchitl. On December 8 its origin is celebrated and the season for giving and decorating with it begins. | Poinsettia (cuetlaxóchitl) | Red | Mexico |
| every year | Our Lady of Guadalupe According to tradition, in 1531 Juan Diego carried roses from Tepeyac hill in his cloak (tilma), in the middle of December. That is why every December 12 millions of people bring roses to the Basilica. | Roses | Red | Mexico |
Four days later, on December 12, comes the month’s other big flower date in Mexico: the roses of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Why it’s called poinsettia in English
Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first US ambassador to Mexico, came across the plant during his stay and in 1828 sent specimens home, where it became popular under his surname. December 12, the anniversary of his death, is Poinsettia Day in the US. From there the plant spread to greenhouses all over the world: in Spain it is called flor de Pascua, in Argentina estrella federal and in much of Central America and the Caribbean simply pascua.
The red parts aren’t petals
The red part we all call the flower is actually made of bracts, modified leaves that change color as the nights get longer. The real flowers are the small yellow buds in the center, called cyathia. If those buds are closed and fresh when you buy it, the plant will last longer. As well as the classic red there are white, pink, cream and marbled varieties, and even ones dyed blue or gold.
How to care for a poinsettia
- Plenty of light without direct sun: next to a window, but out of the midday sun.
- A steady temperature: between 15 and 22 °C (59–72 °F). Away from radiators, fireplaces and doors that open onto the cold.
- Moderate watering: only when the soil feels dry, emptying any water left in the saucer. Waterlogging is the number one reason it drops its leaves.
- No drafts: even on the way home from the store, wrap it in paper.
Want it to turn red again next year? From October it needs about 14 hours of total darkness a day for six to eight weeks. It’s a challenge, but doable.
Is it poisonous?
It has a reputation for being very toxic, but it isn’t that bad. Its milky sap, typical of euphorbias, can irritate the skin and eyes, and if chewed it causes mild digestive upset. The sensible thing is to keep it out of reach of young children and curious pets and to wash your hands after pruning it.
Remind me 3 days before
Download the reminder and open it with your phone’s calendar: it repeats every year and alerts you three days before, so you have time to order the bouquet.
Frequently asked questions
Why is December 8 Poinsettia Day?
Because Mexico dedicates that date to celebrating the flower’s Mexican origin and promoting its cultivation, just as the Christmas selling season begins.
Is the red part of the poinsettia the flower?
No. The red parts are bracts, modified leaves that change color. The real flowers are the little yellow buds in the center.
What is the poinsettia called in other countries?
Nochebuena in Mexico, flor de Pascua in Spain, estrella federal in Argentina, pascua or flor de pascua in several countries of Central America and the Caribbean.
Is the poinsettia poisonous?
Its milky sap can irritate the skin and, if eaten, cause mild digestive upset, but it isn’t as toxic as people think. Even so, keep it away from young children and pets.
How do you care for a poinsettia so it lasts?
Plenty of light without direct sun, a steady temperature between 15 and 22 °C (59–72 °F), no drafts, and water only when the soil is dry, without waterlogging.
