Plants are a traditional part of the Christmas holiday. The Christmas Tree, for example, traces its roots to mid-winter European pagan festivals that preceded Christianity.http://www.religioustolerance.org/xmas_tree.htm Other plants used during Christmas include the poinsettia, mistletoe, and Christmas cactus.http://www.emmitsburg.net/gardens/articles/adams/2006/christmas_plants.htm

The poinsettia was brought from Mexico to the United States in 1828 by Dr. Joel Poinsett, the first United States Ambassador to Mexico.http://www.emmitsburg.net/gardens/articles/adams/2006/christmas_plants.htm In Mexico, the poinsettia is used at Christmas because its leaves resemble the star of Bethlehem.http://www.emmitsburg.net/gardens/articles/adams/2006/christmas_plants.htm The leaves on the poinsettia are the part that are red, white or a variation of the two. The flowers of the poinsettia are the small yellow blossoms in the center of the colorful leaves.http://www.emmitsburg.net/gardens/articles/adams/2006/christmas_plants.htm

Mistletoe was associated with pagan festivals and linked to the goddess of romance and love, influencing the tradition of kissing someone underneath it.http://www.emmitsburg.net/gardens/articles/adams/2006/christmas_plants.htm Early Christians viewed mistletoe as blasphemous and, in an attempt to move away from the use of the plant, introduced holly as an alternative. The thorns and blood red berries of the holly were linked to the crown of thorns worn by Jesus and the blood he shed during his execution.http://www.emmitsburg.net/gardens/articles/adams/2006/christmas_plants.htm

Each type of plant purchased and enjoyed at Christmas has care requirements unique to its species. Some basic tips for caring for this plants includes:

• Poinsettias: Should be kept out of warm and cold drafts. The optimum temperature is 60-68 degrees Fahrenheit. Caretakers should wait for the soil surface to dry slightly before watering. Poinsettias should be placed near a bright window, but out of direct sunlight.http://lancaster.unl.edu/hort/articles/2005/christmasplants.shtml
• Christmas cactus: Will keep their blooms longer in cooler temperatures. They should be kept out of hot or cold drafts. Christmas cacti should be fertilized when actively growing to ensure abundant blooms.http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/cactusFAQs.html
• Amarylis: Bulbs for planting should be firm and have no indication of injury, mold or decay. They should be watered thoroughly and placed in a sunny, warm location. Amarylis should not be fertilized until it begins to grow.http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/m1233.html
• Paperwhite narcissus: Bulbs should be placed close together, pointed end up. They should be watered thoroughly and placed in a cool but well lit room. These plants do not require fertilization.http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4dmg/Flowers/holiday.htm#Paperwhite Narcissus