One of the cornerstones of traditional Christmas decorations is the poinsettia (nochebuena), a native Mexican plant that flowers over around the holiday.
Though the red version is the most popular, there are more than 100 varieties available, including pink, white and yellow. The flower is named after U.S. ambassador Joel Poinsett, who presented the plant to the United States after serving in Mexico in the 1800s. Since then, the poinsettia has become the United States’ best-selling potted plant.
Hundreds of nochebuenas are adorning Guadalajara during the holiday season, many of them in and around the the Municipal Palace in the historic center. They are also on sale at the many viveros (garden centers) around the city. Prices tend to range from 30 to 50 pesos a plant.
To keep your poinsettias alive through the holiday season, be sure to buy plants with dark green leaves, sturdy stems, and fully colored flowers. Avoid buying plants with yellow leaves. Keep the plants in indirect sunlight for at least six hours a day, at a room temperature between 20 and 21 degrees Celsius (68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit). Water the plant when it feels dry to touch, but not to the point that there is standing water. After the holidays, when the poinsettia has stopped blooming, use an all-purpose plant fertilizer to keep the plant strong and healthy.