POINSETTIA
Euphorbia pulcherrima
There are few houseplants as synonymous with Christmas as the striking red poinsettia. Found adorning many yuletide dining tables, near the Christmas tree, and on the front of hundreds of festive cards, this Mexican plant captures the essence of the festive spirit, with home and family at its heart.
I’ll add color
Although my recognizable red bracts are the most common and popular in the winter months, I can also be found in orange, yellow, pink, purple, and white. So whatever your decor, I’m sure you’ll find a place for me in your room, where I’ll add some star-shaped vibrancy whatever the color.
I bring good cheer
The sight of me will make you feel happy and festive as I am so closely associated with Christmas, family, and giving. My red color evokes positive emotions of love and enjoyment and feelings of comfort and warmth, putting you in a relaxed and tranquil mood over the winter months.
I need help to stay looking my best
It may be difficult to get my red bracts to color for Christmas year after year, but to encourage me to perform my best, put me in a dark room with no artificial light after 12 hours of daylight every day for 10 weeks from November. And if you can’t, I still make a pretty amazing green houseplant.
Be mindful of me
Cold blasts of air can hurt me, so please don’t put me near a door or window that will be opened during the winter. When you’re taking me home from the store, lightly cover me so I don’t catch a chill and freeze.
Get to know me
The Aztecs originally named me cuetlaxochitl, meaning “flower that withers,” and also used the red pigment of my bracts to dye fabrics. Many mistake my brightly colored leaves for flowers, but in fact they are bracts (modified leaves). I do have small yellow flowers, but they are not as beautiful as my bracts.
Help me thrive
POSITION This plant needs to be grown in bright but filtered light. Do not let the temperature drop below 55°F (13°C), as this can damage the foliage.
POTTING Repot in early summer to the next pot size up, using a nutrient-rich loam-based potting mix with added bark or leaf mold.
GROWTH RATE These plants can grow to a height and width of 1½ft (45cm), growing reasonably fast in the right conditions.
CARE Keep dry after flowering. When in growth, water when the soil dries out, giving it a balanced liquid fertilizer feed every 10–14 days.
BE AWARE: I can be harmful if eaten, so keep me away from young children and pets.