Discover the history and meaning behind the iconic Christmas Eve flower

The Poinsettia flower is bright and colorful. It is also known by the names of La Flor de Nochebuena, La Flor de Navidad, or Flor de Pascua. It is a well-known symbol of the Christmas season. But what is the story behind this beautiful plant that has its roots in Mexico?

Christmas Eve is native to the tropical regions of Mexico, especially the city of Taxco, Guerrero. The ancient Mexicans called it "cuetlaxóchitl", which means "leather flower" in Nahuatl. Before the arrival of the Spanish, the Aztecs used the poinsettia in religious ceremonies.

In the 17th century, Franciscan monks had the idea of ​​using this flower to decorate their churches at Christmas. They loved how the bright red color suggested the joy and purity of these holidays.

Popularization in the United States

In the mid-1800s, Joel Roberts Poinsett was the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico. He found the Poinsettia plant growing near Taxco, Guerrero. This plant blooms naturally in winter. Impressed by its vibrant red color and symbolism, he took some cuttings of the plant to his greenhouse in South Carolina.

Poinsett began to propagate the plant in the United States, sharing it with botanists and gardens. Thanks to his efforts, the plant became popular quickly. Horticulturists started to grow and sell it in the American market. It was then that it received the name "Poinsettia" in his honor.

Poinsettia Production

Poinsettia, scientifically called Euphorbia pulcherrima, is cultivated in many countries, however, Mexico is the largest producer of this plant. Poinsettia, with its red and green leaves, is important for the country's economy and culture.

The states of Michoacán and Morelos are known to be good for growing Nochebuena. They have a favorable climate, with moderate temperatures and fertile soils. In Michoacán, the Tacámbaro region is an important place for the production of Christmas Eve. There, hundreds of producers grow different varieties of this plant.

The tradition of growing poinsettias in this region has been passed down through generations. It has become a family activity that helps earn money and strengthens ties in the community.

The state of Morelos is famous for its warm and sunny climate. It also has many greenhouses. There, they grow poinsettias of different colors and sizes in these greenhouses.

Morelia producers have improved their cultivation and management techniques. This allows them to offer high quality plants. People highly value these plants in the national and international market.

This flower represents an important source of employment and economic development for these regions. In the winter season, farmers hire extra workers to help with the harvest and distribution of crops. This supports the livelihoods of many families in the area.

Curiosities about the Poinsettia

It's not a flower: When we talk about the Poinsettia, we often mention its bright colors. We usually call these colors "flowers." It is interesting to note that we see colored bracts. These are modified leaves that evolved to attract pollinators.

In the center of this part of the plant are the true yellow flowers, which are small and inconspicuous. This is a great example of how nature adapts in surprising ways. It does this to maximize reproduction and attract attention to its appearance.

Varieties: The red Poinsettia is the most well-known type. However, there are over 100 other varieties. These add surprising diversity to these plants. You can find them in a wide range of colors, such as pink, white, yellow, and even purple. Some varieties have speckled or mixed bracts, which adds a unique and ornamental touch to their appearance.

Additionally, the size of the plants can change a lot. On some Christmas Eves they grow several meters tall. Others are smaller and are good for indoor pots.

How to take care of your Poinsettia plant at home

1. Ideal location

• Light: Place the plant in a location with bright indirect light (a sunny window is perfect for a potted plant). Avoid direct sunlight, as it can burn its leaves and bracts.
• Temperature: Keep it in a warm environment, between 64.4 - 75.2°F. Protect the plant from cold air currents and sudden changes in temperature.

2. Proper irrigation

• Frequency: Water the poinsettia when the top layer of the substrate is dry to the touch.
• Avoid excess water: Do not leave standing water in the saucer or pot, as the roots can rot.

3. Humidity

• Poinsettias prefer a slightly humid environment. If the air is very dry, use a humidifier or place a dish of water near the plant to increase humidity.

4. Fertilizer

• During flowering (November to January), it is not necessary to fertilize. If you keep it after the season, use a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

5. Pruning and maintenance

• Remove dry or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth.
• Once the holiday season is over, you can prune the plant so it will bloom again next year.

6. Special care to preserve color

• The poinsettia "flowers" (bracts) keep their color longer if the plant gets indirect light. It should also avoid extreme temperatures.

Poinsettia in Popular Culture

The Poinsettia flower has inspired songs, poems and works of art. Its beauty and meaning have transcended borders, becoming a universal symbol of Christmas.

Poinsettia flowers fill the Solaris Resorts and Club Solaris with magic and color this Christmas season. We have decorated every area with bright red Nochebuenas to create a warm and festive atmosphere for you to enjoy a memorable vacation with your family. Here, the Mexican tradition of Nochebuena flowers comes together with our hospitality to make your stay a unique experience.

Live the charm of Christmas in paradise.Reserve your vacation now at the Solaris Resorts and celebrate unforgettable parties in front of the sea!

Celebrate this Christmas with the beauty of the poinsettia and honor Mexican traditions!