Dr. Jim Faust tells interesting true poinsettia stories from their discovery to your own enjoyment at Christmas. One story involves searching out wild poinsettias in the middle of two drug cartel controlled territories. Jim is a professor of Floriculture Physiology at Clemson University in South Carolina. He does research on greenhouse production of various flowering crops, teaches hydroponics, and greenhouse production courses. He grew his first poinsettia crop in 1986.  This is Episode 191 - The Remarkable Journey of Poinsettias: From Mexican Forests to Christmas Icons" -  with Dr. Jim Faust and Encore Remix presentation on the Garden Question podcast.Chapter Time Line00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast00:38 The Fascinating History of Poinsettias01:15 Jim Faust's Poinsettia Stories02:19 Joel Poinsett and the Early Days of Poinsettias05:18 The Journey of Poinsettias to Europe07:26 Shipping Plants in the 1800s10:06 Poinsettias in the Late 1800s12:14 The Evolution of Poinsettias in the 1900s13:48 The Rise of Poinsettias as a Christmas Flower15:28 Challenges and Innovations in Poinsettia Cultivation22:31 Expanding the Poinsettia Market Beyond Christmas24:57 The Science Behind Poinsettia Flowering28:06 Home Care Tips for Poinsettias30:21 The Development of Modern Poinsettia Varieties34:38 Horticulturists' Excitement: Stealing Pollen35:23 The Mystery of Free Branching Poinsettias36:22 The Secret Grafting Technique39:06 Scientific Discoveries and Phytoplasma42:36 The Poinsettia Propagation Process47:38 Challenges in Poinsettia Cultivation49:57 Exploring Poinsettias in Their Native Habitat55:13 Modern Breeding and Bio-Piracy Concerns59:26 Consumer Tips for Selecting Poinsettias01:02:04 Debunking Poinsettia Myths01:03:23 Conclusion and Contact Information