POINSETTIA – Flor de Nochebuena

It’s the most wonderful time of the year if you’re a lover of the traditional Christmas plant the Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)! 

Native to Mexico the Aztecs called the vibrant red plant "Cuetlaxochitl." Modern Mexicans know the plant as Flor de Nochebuena (Christmas Eve Flower) whose blooms herald the beginning of the Season. 

In the early 19th Century Joel R. Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico brought back Poinsettias cuttings to his South Carolina home. A physician by trade Poinsett was an avid armature botanist who cultivated the cuttings in his greenhouse and sent plants to his friends thereby introducing the plant to America. When the commercial market began to take off Poinsett was given the honor of having the plant named after him. Even though Poinsett had an outstanding career as a United States Congressman and as an ambassador he will always be remembered for introducing the poinsettia into the United States.

Poinsettias became popular in the United States and around the world and today is a significant agriculture product. Popular it is! During the holiday season 85% of plants sold are the beautiful Poinsettia with a market of over 60 million plants grown for sale in all 50 states! The U.S. growers market supplies 90% of the worlds Poinsettia plants. That’s amazing…

Most folks know the Poinsettia as a dazzling red plant but today they are cultivated in many colors including a deep purple. Red, White and Pink are the most common colors you will find at your local nursery or garden shop and often they will have variegated color leaves. Poinsettia plants require a specific kind of care for growers to develop the striking colors. Did you know that Poinsettias does not really have a flower rather “modified leaves” similar to the Bougainvillea? 

Selecting Poinsettias
• Choose a plant with dark green foliage down to the soil line.
• The poinsettia should look full, balanced and attractive from all sides.
• The plant should be 2 1/2 times taller than the diameter of the container.
• Check the plant’s soil. If it’s wet and the plant limps this could be an indication of root rot.

Will my Poinsettia last during the holiday season?
How long your Poinsettia will stay beautiful after you bring it home depends on how old the plant is at time of purchase and how you treat the plant. Poinsettias can retain their beauty for weeks and some varieties will stay attractive for months.
• If the Poinsettia comes in a plastic sleeve remove it immediately. 
• Keep your plant in indirect light. Six hours of light daily is ideal. 
• On the mainland keep Poinsettias away from warm or cold drafts from radiators, air registers or open doors and windows.
• Check the soil daily. Be sure to punch holes in foil so water can drain into a saucer. Water when soil is dry. Allow water to drain into the saucer and discard excess water.
• Fertilize the poinsettia if you keep it past the holiday season. Apply a houseplant fertilizer once a month. Do not fertilize when it is in bloom.
• Water only when the soil is dry.
• Placing your poinsettia in a cool room 55 to 60°F at night will extend blooming time.

December 12th is National Poinsettia Day. 
Learn more here: www.poinsettiaday.com/

Kadomatsu - New Year Tradition in Hawaii

As the New Year approaches a custom that is hanai into our local tradition is placing a kadomatsu at the entry door of the home or business. Originated more than 400 years ago the kadomatsu is no longer a common practice in Japan yet it is devotedly perpetuated here in Hawaii as part of the culture brought to the islands during the “peopling of Hawaii.” Japanese visitors to the islands delight in seeing that we in Hawaii carry on a tradition that many no longer practice in Japan.

Kadomatsu (門松, meaning gate pine), is a symbolic decoration made from bamboo shoots and pine (matsu) tied together with a handmade straw rope. Traditionally the kadomatsu is set on both sides of the entry but many folks in Hawaii display a single one on a front porch or at the front desk in a business to usher in good luck for the New Year!

The natural elements used in making of the kadomatsu all have significance. Bamboo symbolizes strength and growth and is tied together with pine cuttings that symbolize long life. Traditionally the kadomatsu is made from 3 bamboo strains, diagonally cut; around 1 meter (3ft) tall but the size can reflect the entryway. In Hawaii smaller ones are usually seen inside of business.

Similar to the art of ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement), the bamboo shoots are set at three different heights and represent heaven, humanity, and earth with heaven being the highest and earth being the lowest. Depending on tradition some kadomatsu makers tie the humanity and earth shoots at the same height. After binding all the elements of the kadomatsu, it is bound with a newly woven straw rope and mat.

Traditionally kadomatsu are placed in pairs on either side of the entry, representing yin (female) and yang (male) – opposite and equal qualities. Plum (ume) blossoms can also be used in the arrangement, representing new beginnings, purity and sweetness.

Place your kadomatsu at the front door after Christmas and keep until January 7th, to welcome the New Year. It is believed that this brings prosperity and good luck in the next year to the families (or the businesses) protected by kadomatsu.