Red poinsettia: can you keep it at home, signs and superstitions

The poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima, or Christmas star, is a beautiful plant popular throughout the world. There's a wonderful legend about its origins, linked to Jesus Christ. According to it, the poinsettia was a completely unremarkable and inconspicuous plant. But when a pair of orphans brought it to the cradle of the newborn Jesus, it blossomed into a flower of unprecedented beauty. Since then, it blooms only on Christmas Eve, heralding the arrival of the great holiday.

There are many popular beliefs and opinions about whether it's safe to keep the flower indoors and the energy that the Red Poinsettia carries. Florists disagree on this issue. Some recommend growing this plant, while others categorically discourage keeping poinsettias indoors. Each side is prepared to provide compelling arguments in support of their position.

Flower characteristics and appearance

The poinsettia is a perennial evergreen shrub with a highly decorative appearance. It reaches 30-50 cm in height. The stems are thick, branched, and dark green. They are virtually invisible due to the large, dense leaves.

The leaves reach 10-15 cm in length. The leaf blades are complex in shape. The leaf is an irregular ellipse: wedge-shaped at the base, with a pointed edge. Depending on the variety, it may be smooth or slightly pubescent. The edges of the blades are serrated. The leaves are attached to petioles. The blades are dark green.

The plant's ornamental value lies in its flowers, or more precisely, its bracts. They are large and bright red. The flowers are small, yellowish, and gathered in rosette-shaped inflorescences. To date, breeders have developed several hybrids with bracts in shades of white and pink, as well as variegated varieties.

This flower is represented by a single species. However, numerous hybrids are grown indoors. Among them, the following varieties are worth noting:

1. Amazon Peppermint. Soft pink bracts.
2. Cinnamon Star. Bracts gradually transition from yellow to peach.
3. Dolce Rosa. Bright lilac bracts.

   

   

   

4. Eckespoint Primero Gingle Bells. The marble pattern is predominantly raspberry and slightly milky.
5. Eckespoint Freedom Red. Bright crimson bracts.
6. Enduring Pink. Solid, soft pink bracts.

   

   

   

7. Enduring White. Solid ivory color.
8. Lemon Snow. White bracts with a greenish tint.
9. Floristera Pink. A spectrum of shades of pink.

   

   

   

10. Gutbier V-10 Pink. Bracts with a deep pink base and a pale pink, almost white edge.
11. Mars. Rich scarlet color of bracts.
12. Purple Rain. The color is a pinkish-purple hue.

    

    

    

13. Redfox Premium Miro. The simultaneous presence of white bracts with scarlet speckles and scarlet bracts with white speckles.
14. Redfox Premium Picasso. Pink bracts with yellowish streaks along the edges.
15. Snow White. Snow-white bracts.

    

    

    

16. Winter Rose Red. Bright pink, inward-curving bracts resemble a rose flower.
17. Winter Rose White. Milky bracts curl inward, reminiscent of a blooming rose.
18. Winter Memories Red. A variegated variety with a sharp transition between pink and white.

    

    

    

The flower is popular worldwide. In Europe and America, poinsettias are traditionally given as Christmas gifts.

Signs and superstitions about the Red Poinsettia flower

Numerous beliefs and superstitions surround growing plants in the home. It's believed that the flower can influence a person, family, and the atmosphere in the home.

Positive signs

The most common positive signs about poinsettia are as follows:

1. Poinsettia in the bedroom. If you place the flower in the marital bedroom, a baby will soon arrive. The plant also protects the couple from infidelity.
2. Rapid growth. If the flower starts growing, it means everything is fine in the house.
3. Wilting after purchase. The flower wilts in a room with a heavy aura. If a new poinsettia doesn't take root in a new location, it means the house has been jinxed or cursed. After clearing the room of negative energy, the plant will recover.

   

4. A healthy and strong family. The plant fills the home with positive energy. It protects family members from quarrels and minimizes any conflicts that arise. The poinsettia also has a beneficial effect on its owner's biofield, thus strengthening their health.
5. A magical amulet. The flower protects the home from negative magical influences, such as hexes, evil eyes, and curses. People who come to the house with malicious intent feel anxious and uncomfortable near the plant, and tend to leave as quickly as possible. But the poinsettia is always welcoming to good people. Guests feel a surge of joy when near it.
6. My cat is eating my poinsettia. If your cat starts showing a culinary interest in the plant, it's time to move it to another room. Keep moving the pot until your cat loses interest.

   

7. Home tutor. This flower has a special connection with teenagers. It can direct their thoughts in the right direction, enhancing their desire for knowledge. The plant also helps its young owner decide on a future profession.

A poinsettia can bring bitter enemies together. To do this, simply give one of them a poinsettia for Christmas.

What does Feng Shui say?

According to Feng Shui, the flower can be placed in the following places:

• bedside table in the newlyweds' bedroom;
• windowsill in the kitchen;
• a well-lit and visible place in the living room;
• dining room.

A kitchen windowsill or dining room is a suitable place for a poinsettia for large families. These are the rooms where the entire family typically gathers, which is something poinsettias thrive on. This placement will strengthen the family and promote harmony within the family.

The living room is suitable for small families consisting only of adults or for single people. A poinsettia in the living room will bring joy and a wonderful mood to both the hosts and their guests.

Taoist feng shui practitioners recommend decorating poinsettias with green satin ribbons. They also recommend placing the plant on the Christmas table. On Christmas Eve, the flower gains powerful energy. Placing it on the holiday table is a sign of love and respect. The Christmas Star will surely reward its family for this.

Is it possible to keep a flower at home?

There are no signs indicating a negative influence from the plant. All popular superstitions point exclusively to the poinsettia's positive qualities. However, the flower can still cause harm to household members.

Poinsettia, or Euphorbia pulcherrima, belongs to the genus Euphorbia of the family Euphorbiaceae. All members of this genus can be hazardous to health. The milky sap secreted by the plants when damaged is dangerous.

The whitish sap has no distinct odor and a slightly bitter taste. Its texture is similar to milk. When in contact with the human body, the sap can cause the following problems:

1. Contact with skin or mucous membranes causes a burn. The affected area becomes inflamed and red. Blisters, a rash, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction may later appear.

   

2. Contact with the visual organs may result in temporary or permanent blindness.
3. If ingested, the milky sap causes poisoning. This is typically accompanied by dizziness and nausea. Depending on the individual, vomiting, respiratory distress, decreased body temperature, enlarged tongue, convulsions, and fainting may occur.

Some sources indicate the possibility of coma and death due to poisoning from the sap. Contrary to this, American scientists believe that no part of the plant is poisonous and therefore poses no threat to human health or life.

Whether or not to keep a poinsettia indoors is a personal choice. However, experts still recommend limiting access to the plant to small children and pets.

Frequently asked questions about growing

The poinsettia is a very popular ornamental plant, associated by many with Christmas. Many positive signs and superstitions are associated with the flower. However, the milky sap contained within the plant can pose a health risk. The plant is represented by a single species, but thanks to the intensive work of breeders, the red poinsettia boasts flowers in a variety of shades.