I grew up thinking poinsettias are beautiful, poisonous plants that are grown for decoration at Christmas. I only saw them as small plants in pots and was stunned when I was a young adult and saw them in pinks and spotted varieties for the first time because I thought they were only red.
I was surprised the first time I saw a poinsettia here in Cameroon. It was a large bush or small tree. I never knew they grew like that.
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I’ve managed to keep one alive in a pot since last Christmas – really pleased with myself! I remember that amazement at seeing big ones growing all over the place in Cameroon, too. Potted ones are temperamental, though. I have to check on it regularly, and make sure it’s happy… it does take a lot of care!
They are beautiful, whether plants or trees. They serve to remind us that Christmas can be celebrated all year long with Christ as our companion.
i remember seeing whole walls of blooming poinsetta bushes in Japan when we lived there. i’d never realized before how large they grow, either. i just know those were gorgeous, and i’m happy you get to enjoy the beauty of them, too!