Poinsettia: Mexico’s Christmas gift to the world

December has a distinct scent of pine and holiday punch, but above all, it has a color. If you look around, you will notice a protagonist claiming its throne on the streets, in hotel lobbies, and in living rooms: the poinsettia.

With its star shape and classic vibrant red hue, it has become a visual emblem of Christmas. However, behind that potted plant adorning your table lies a history that began centuries ago, far from the snow, in the warm valleys of Mexico.

Cuetlaxóchitl: The sacred flower of Emperors

Long before the first Christmas carol was sung in the Americas, this flower was already venerated by the Nahua people. According to archives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) of the Government of Mexico, the Aztecs called it cuetlaxóchitl, which in Nahuatl means “flower that withers” or “leather flower,” referring to the leaves’ resistance and texture.

In Mexica culture, this plant was not merely an ornament; it was a sacred symbol. Historical records, validated by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), indicate that Emperor Moctezuma had them brought from the southern lowlands (now known as Morelos, and the pueblo mágico of Taxco, in Guerrero, and Morelos) to his gardens in Tenochtitlan because the flower did not grow at the capital’s high altitude.

Its fiery red color represented purity and the blood of fallen warriors. Furthermore, the Agri-Food and Fisheries Information Service (SIAP) notes that it had practical uses: its leaves were used to make textile dyes, and its sap (latex) was used medicinally to treat skin conditions and fevers.

It was with the arrival of the Spanish and the spread of evangelization that the flower’s destiny changed forever. Historical records note that in the 17th century, Franciscan friars in Taxco began using the plant to decorate altars and processions for the “Holy Manger” (Santo Pesebre) because its blooms coincided with winter. Thus, the cuetlaxóchitl became the “Flor de Nochebuena” (Christmas Eve Flower).

From Taxco to Hollywood: The journey of the poinsettia

How did a wildflower from the Mexican ravines end up decorating the White House and homes around the world? The answer has a name: Joel Roberts Poinsett.

According to documents from the Smithsonian Institution, Poinsett arrived in Mexico in 1825 as the first U.S. ambassador. During a trip to Taxco, he was fascinated by the beauty of these flowers adorning local churches. As an amateur botanist, he sent several specimens to his greenhouses in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1828. In his honor, and despite its Mexican origin, the plant was popularly called “poinsettia“.

However, its popularization in the USA is due to the Ecke family. According to historical archives from The Los Angeles Times and the corporate history of the Ecke Ranch, this family of German immigrants in California developed grafting techniques to make the plant more compact and resistant to indoor environments. Paul Ecke Jr. cemented the flower as a Christmas icon by sending free plants to television stations to appear in holiday specials, including The Tonight Show and Bob Hope’s specials, making the entire United States want that red flower in their homes.

A symbol without borders

Today, the flower once admired by Moctezuma is the world’s best-selling potted plant during the winter season. Its economic and cultural impact abroad is so significant that sales in the United States reach approximately 35 million plants annually, generating nearly $250 million in revenue.

Its charm also crossed the Atlantic long ago, becoming an essential element of European decor. According to Stars for Europe—an EU-funded campaign promoting the cultivation and use of poinsettias—fascination with this plant is such that in Germany alone, around 32 million are sold each year.

Furthermore, in China, the poinsettia currently ranks as the country’s second most popular potted plant, surpassed only by the moth orchid. Introduced there in the 1960s, this Mexican flower has been adopted as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity.

Regardless of language or latitude, its presence today conveys a universal message of warmth and celebration.

How to care for a poinsettia? Secrets to keep the magic alive

It is often believed that the poinsettia only lasts through the holiday season, but with proper care, it can survive and bloom again. Here are the secrets to keeping your red star shining:

• Light, yes; direct sun, no: The poinsettia loves brightness. Find a well-lit spot near a window, but avoid direct sunlight, as it could burn its delicate bracts.
• The art of watering: This plant prefers moderation. Water it only when the surface soil feels dry to the touch. A common mistake is “drowning” it; ensure the pot has good drainage and never leave stagnant water in the saucer.
• Stable temperature: Being native to temperate climates, it is not a fan of extremes. Keep it away from cold drafts, but also from the direct heat of heaters or fireplaces.
• The mystery of the red: Did you know that for the leaves to turn red again next year, they need total darkness? Starting in October, the plant requires at least 12 hours of complete darkness (as if you were putting it in a closet) to trigger the color change.

The next time you see a poinsettia, remember that you are not just looking at a seasonal ornament. You are facing a living piece of Mexican history, a tireless traveler that, year after year, blooms to remind us of the beauty of our roots.