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bright indirect light (3-6 feet from a south or west window, or right next to an east window. Under a grow light, 6-10 inches away works well) for at least 6 hours daily. Keep away from cold drafts and single-pane windows in winter. To rebloom next year, it needs 14+ hours of complete darkness per night for 6-8 weeks starting in October.Light
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, until it drains from the bottom. Never let it sit in standing water - root rot sets in fast. Reduce watering after the bracts drop.Water
Prefers moderate humidity (40-60%. Most homes are fine, but a pebble tray helps in winter when heating dries the air out), 40-50%. Central heating dries the air considerably, which stresses the plant. A pebble tray or humidifier helps.Humidity
Ideal range is 65-70°F (18-21°C). Below 55°F causes leaf drop and cold damage. Keep away from exterior doors and cold windows.Temperature
moderateDifficulty
Euphorbia pulcherrima plant

Poinsettia

Euphorbia pulcherrima

Moderate

Poinsettia is a woody shrub that in its native Mexico grows up to 15 feet tall — a far cry from the cheerful little pot it ships in every December. Those blazing red 'petals' are actually colored bracts (modified leaves), with the true flowers being the tiny yellow structures at the center called cyathia. It is by far the world's most commercially important potted plant, with around 70 million sold in the US alone during a six-week holiday window.

Euphorbia pulcherrima plant
Wildfeuer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Euphorbia pulcherrima plant
Wildfeuer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Care Guide

How to grow Poinsettia

Light

bright indirect light (3-6 feet

Water

Water when the top inch

Humidity

40-60%

Temperature

65-70°F

Soil

Well-draining potting mix, ideally a

Propagation

Stem cuttings taken in summer.

Common Problems

Root rot from overwatering, fungus

Did You Know

Fun Facts

The Aztecs called this plant cuetlaxochitl and used its red bracts to make textile dyes and to treat fevers with the milky sap — centuries before it became a Christmas decoration.

Pet Safety

Toxic to pets

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses per the ASPCA. Toxic principle is irritant sap (diterpenoid euphorbol esters). Clinical signs are mild: mouth and stomach irritation, occasional vomiting. Toxicity is widely over-reported - it is not the deadly plant urban legend claims, but keep it away from pets and children anyway.

Sources

  1. Euphorbia pulcherrima — NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)Reference
  2. History of Poinsettia — University of Illinois Extension (opens in new tab)Reference
  3. History, Facts, and Care of Poinsettias — NDSU Extension (opens in new tab)Reference
  4. Poinsettia - ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants (opens in new tab)Reference
  5. Poinsettia — ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants (opens in new tab)Reference
  6. Euphorbia pulcherrima - NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
  7. History of Poinsettia - University of Illinois Extension (opens in new tab)University Extension
  8. History, Facts, and Care of Poinsettias - NDSU Extension (opens in new tab)University Extension
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