Poinsettia
Euphorbia pulcherrima · Family Euphorbiaceae
Also known as: christmas star, euphorbia pulcherrima, christmas flower
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Watering
- Every 5 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Pet-safe
- No, keep it away from cats and dogs
Care
Where to put it
A bright, warm room away from cold draughts and doors.
Light
Bright indirect light keeps the coloured bracts looking good.
Watering
Water when the compost surface feels dry and empty the saucer afterwards.
About the plant
A symbol of Christmas, it has red, pink or white bracts that look like flowers. In a pot it is usually 30–60 cm, but in the garden it becomes a large shrub. It likes light and stable temperatures.
Origin
Native to the Pacific slopes of Mexico, in dry and upland woods.
What it likes
- Bright indirect light
- Temperatures between 18 and 24 °C
- Water when the top dries
What it dislikes
- Cold draughts
- Soggy compost
- Sudden changes of position
Did you know?
The English name, poinsettia, honours Joel Poinsett, the diplomat who took the plant from Mexico to the USA.
