Yes, even plants have National holidays and December 12 is National Poinsettia Day.
Did you know that the "star-shaped" holiday plant that decorates your home during this season represents the Star of Bethlehem?
That poinsettia in your home was most likely grown locally at one of Michigan's 55 greenhouses that produce poinsettias.
Michigan ranks sixth in the nation for poinsettia production, with wholesale plants valued at $10.4 million.
Each season Michigan's greenhouse growers produce close to 2.6 million poinsettia plants.
"Poinsettias are beautiful plants and come in a multitude of colors," said Dave Mast, Co-Owner of Andy Mast Greenhouses and Board member on the Michigan Greenhouse Growers Council. "These lovely plants can adorn your home well into the winter.”
Do you know what to look for when selecting that perfect plant? You should select a poinsettia with dark, green leaves throughout the plant.
And, when you leave the greenhouse or store, you should protect your plant from cold temperatures by wrapping it in a sleeve and unwrapping the poinsettia carefully when you get it home.
Poinsettias are easy-to-keep household plants, and brighten the indoors during the darkest time of year, according to Michigan Greenhouse Growers.
To learn more about these lovely plants, and how to care for them, visit: http://msue.anr.msu.edu/uploads/files/PoinsettiaCare.pdf
