Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Poinsettia Plant Features

First introduced to the United States in 1825, the poinsettia has played a starring role in Christmas celebrations ever since. Once only available in red, poinsettias are now available in white, cream, pink, and bi-colors. Poinsettia is a snap to grow and will look great for months long after the holidays are over. Use large ones to flank a doorway and smaller specimens as hostess gifts or place settings.

In frost-free areas, such as South Florida, poinsettias are often used as landscape plants to provide a big shot of festive color during the holiday season.

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Poinsettia grows best indoors in bright indirect light. Place it near a bright window and keep it away from cold glass, exterior doors, heating or air-conditioning vents, and fireplaces. Keep the plant above 50°F, ideally between 65°F and 75°F.

Water when the top 2 inches of potting mix feel dry. Moisten the root ball thoroughly, let the excess drain, and empty any water collected inside a saucer, foil pot cover, or decorative container. Don’t water on a fixed schedule or leave the grower pot standing in water.

The colorful red, pink, white, cream, or patterned parts are bracts, which are modified leaves. The small yellow structures in the center contain the plant’s true flowers. After the bracts fade, you can let the seasonal display end or keep the poinsettia as a houseplant. If you keep it, prune the stems back to about 6 to 8 inches and feed during healthy, active growth according to the fertilizer label.

In South Florida and other warm climates where frost is rare, poinsettia can also grow outside. Display potted plants outdoors for the holidays or plant them in full sun and well-drained soil. If you want the plant to develop its holiday color again, choose a location that stays dark at night. Light from a porch, window, streetlamp, or security fixture can interrupt the long nights the plant needs.

The ASPCA lists poinsettia as toxic to cats and dogs because its milky sap may irritate the mouth or stomach and sometimes cause vomiting. The ASPCA also describes poinsettia toxicity as generally overrated. Keep the plant out of reach of pets and children who chew on plants, and contact your veterinarian if an exposure concerns you. Grown for ornamental purposes and not intended for human or animal consumption.


  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Indoors: High light

    Outside: Sun

  • Colors

    Pink

    Red

    White

    Yellow

  • Special Features

    Colorful foliage

    Super-easy to grow

Complement your Plant

Boston Fern

The bright green fronds of Boston Fern add a lovely textural contrast when paired with Poinsettia.

Ivy

Surround your Poinsettia with small pots of Ivy for an extra dose of holiday cheer.

Christmas Cactus

Another favorite holiday plant, Christmas Cactus makes a good companion for Poinsettia.