Stories by Tricia Ragbir

Trinidad Guardian

December 6, 1997

Page 42

Nothing captures that Christmas mood so much as the sight of those flaming red flowers known as poinsettias.

Throughout Trinidad, yards and houses alike are adorned with this beautiful flower. Whether it is the traditional red, or the white or pink, the flower evokes that feeling of Christmas. In fact, the first blooms of the poinsettias are an indication that the season is upon us.

This year, however, the white poinsettia is making quite a statement. It is no surprise that the traditional red has always reigned. But, according to Alana Hosein, garden manager at "Undercover", the white variety is growing in popularity this Yuletide season. She believes that the public is opting for the white because of this season’s colour trend.

In fact local home décor experts say that the neutral colours will prevail this season and that’s why they are opting for the neutral white variety. Hosein believes that the white compliment the warm and subtle colours that are evident this season.

The response has been so favourable that "Undercover" had to increase production of the white variety.

The white poinsettias, like the red and pink, are all grown locally. In fact, this year "Undercover" which specializes in mass scale production of poinsettias, has introduced another colour on the market. Monet is the name given to the specie, which can be identified by its cream, rose-pink bracts (leaves) that vary from light to dark tones with dark green foliage.

According to Hosein, each year "Undercover" introduces a new variety on the market. So far, the 52-acre garden centre has introduced seven varieties, which include red, white, pink, marble, jingle bell, peppermint and their newest creation, "monet".

You might wonder how these colours are derived. Well all it took, according to Hosein, was a simple dose of plant technology. In fact, the original plants are imported after which the specialists at "Undercover" prepare the plants so that they are available for the public. While the whites are popular among home decorators, the reds are still the favourite simply because they represent the traditional Christmas.

So while the Christmas experts say that reds are out, one thing red that will reign this Christmas is the traditional poinsettia. But for those who are looking to keep the earthy mood, the white poinsettias will no doubt add that zip to your home décor.

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Every year we see the Christmas plant. With its flaming red leaves we are reminded that the season of goodwill and good cheer is here. For many, the blossoming of the poinsettias is eagerly anticipated. But did you ever wonder where poinsettias originated?

According to the "Readers Digest", the plant was discovered by the first US minister to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett, who was also an avid botanist.

The article said that one Christmas long ago as Poinsett strolled through the markets of Mexico City, he noticed the exotic, flaming flowers that people were buying to decorate their homes and churches. He soon became fascinated with the strange flowers, which grew wild in the Mexican and Central American hot lands. He soon dubbed the brilliant red plant "Painted leaves" because of its bright red petal-like leaf. The poinsettia incidentally is not really a flower as many would have thought.

The Mexicans, on the other hand, had many names for the plant: flor de fuego (fire flower), flor de Pascua (Christmas flower), flor de la Nochebuena (flower of the Holy Night).

On returning to the United States, Poinsett carried with him the painted leaves, which was immediately propagated. It did not take Poinsett long to share the jungle plant with other botanists. One nurseryman was so grateful for the opportunity that he named the plant the "poinsettia" after Poinsett.

However, it was a German-Swiss immigrant by the name of Albert Ecke who was responsible for commercializing the plant. In fact, his son Paul has devoted 50 years of his life to taming this highly sensitive and temperamental plant.

For the junior Ecke, his most notable achievement is his involvement in creating more than 25 new varieties of poinsettias, some of which are available in local flower shops. In recent years Ecke has turned to hybridizing and has now patented white, pink, coral and salmon-orange reds.

• Transport poinsettias in a covered vehicle as the bracts (red leaves) are very sensitive to bruising and the branches break easily.

• Direct sunlight will burn or scald the red bracts. Ensure that the plants are always stored in a covered area.

• Always place poinsettias in a bright area. Natural sunlight is best but bright artificial lights also work well. Remember that not enough light is the number one killer of poinsettia plants. Yellowing lower leaves is the first sign of too little light.

• Poinsettias are thirsty plants and need a lot of water. Feel or look at the surface of the soil daily. When it just begins to dry out, water thoroughly until water seeps out the bottom of the pot. Remember to drain the excess water from the saucer.

• Poinsettias do well in our natural temperature in T&T, or in air-conditioned rooms, Do not expose the plants to cold drafts (directly in front of an air-conditioned vent) or to hot air (near a stove or fridge). The higher the humidity, the better.

• After Christmas, when all the red bracts have faded, you may choose to cut back your plant to eight inches above the pot and grow it as you would a house plant. Place in a brighter area than before and fertilize monthly with a general–purpose fertilizer, Repot the plant as necessary. To re-flower the following Christmas, place in a location where it will not receive any artificial light at night from October 1.

• Do not put ice cubes, coffee or cigarettes in the pot. Do not "sun" your plant by placing it in the hot sun. Do not place a garbage bag over your red poinsettia. Do not place your poinsettia on top of the television.

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