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 Growing Instructions

Poinsettias thrive on sunlight. If possible place your poinsettia near a sunny window away from heat ducts or fireplaces. Water whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. After the flowers (technically the bracts form the colorful petals, the yellow centers are the true flowers) fade you can toss the entire plant or keep the plant as a houseplant. Simply prune the plants back to a height of 6 to 8 inches and eventually you will see vigorous new growth. You can move the plants outdoors after frost danger. Feed your plants once a month with a liquid houseplant fertilizer.

Outdoors as an annual, poinsettias thrive in sunny spots and moist, but well-drained soil.

Poinsettia are not poisonous, but we do not recommend them 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 Poinsettia

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.