It's not exactly a gardening question, but....

[Biscuitsandtea]

...Are poinsettias considered to be unlucky?

I bought one for my mum today to say thanks for looking after DS for the weekend, but she said she won't have them in the house?

Just wondered if there is some sort of superstition around them or of my mum is just being weird .

I know it's not exactly a gardening question but I wasn't sure where else to put it...

Also, since I now have a poinsettia to care for - any tips? They're quite delicate / difficult to keep alive aren't they?

Thanks

I'm sure I read somewhere that if the petals fall off (which they always do eventually) then bad luck will follow.

Oooh eeek, just been to look at it and here's already a blinking petal fallen off....

there's not 'here's'.

Hmm, well I don't know about any superstition I'm afraid, but my mum has often had one, particularly this time of year, and I don't think our luck's been any worse than anyone else's!

I've never heard of any superstition about them, but they are very hard to keep alive (in my experience). They hate cold air which is why (according to my friend who used to work in a florist's shop) the ones you buy from markets or outdoor displays always die.

Top tips from the RHS here