Native to Mexico, poinsettias are in the Euphorbia family and are a popular holiday plant because of their colorful bracts (leaves). There is also a species that is used as a cut flower. They are most commonly used for decorating during the winter holidays, but are also attractive as green plants throughout the year. In the United States and other countries, poinsettias symbolize the Christmas season and the miracles it celebrates. Since these winter plants are often red and green, they fit right in with the holiday hues. Poinsettias also mean joy, cheer, and success, regardless of their color.
It is known there as "Flor de Pascua", meaning "Easter flower". Poinsettias have also been called the lobster flower and the flame-leaf flower, due to the red color. Poinsettias received their name in the United States in honor of Joel Roberts Poinsett, who introduced the plant into the country in 1828.
More than 35 MILLION potted poinsettias are sold every year in the US, accounting for almost one quarter of the potted plants sold. Poinsettias aren't expensive. You can toss them into your compost and plan to buy a new plant each year. The olfactive profile of the Poinsettia Flower is a pine-like terpenic scent, frequently with a mushroom note, as they are prone to a fungus. Poinsettias remove the trace formaldehyde that exists in the air from insulation, grocery bags, particleboard, and other household items. This leads to cleaner air with fewer pollutants.