Poinsettia
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Also listed as Poinsettia pulcherrima, Euphorbia diversifolia
Also known as Christmas-star, Christmas-flower, Mexican Flameleaf
Climate Match for your location
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A tropical shrub prized for its showy red, pink, or white bracts (modified leaves) that peak around the winter holidays. Typically grown as a potted houseplant in cooler climates, requiring bright indirect light and careful watering.
Why grow it
Poinsettia offers distinctive winter color from modified leaves (bracts) rather than true flowers, extending visual interest through the holiday season when few other houseplants bloom reliably indoors. Compared to other tropical ornamentals, it tolerates typical indoor conditions better than many species, though it remains less cold-hardy than temperate perennials and requires more precise watering than succulents or foliage houseplants.
Watch out for
Poinsettias are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and drafts, which can trigger early leaf drop. Consistent watering is critical, as both waterlogging and drought stress harm the plant. Day-length photoperiod strongly influences flowering, so maintaining regular light and dark cycles helps maintain the characteristic colored bracts. Indoor humidity should be moderate, as low moisture in heated homes can weaken the plant and invite spider mites.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
Native Range
Mexico
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A tropical shrub prized for its showy red, pink, or white bracts (modified leaves) that peak around the winter holidays. Typically grown as a potted houseplant in cooler climates, requiring bright indirect light and careful watering.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Poinsettia grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Poinsettia offers distinctive winter color from modified leaves (bracts) rather than true flowers, extending visual interest through the holiday season when few other houseplants bloom reliably indoors. Compared to other tropical ornamentals, it tolerates typical indoor conditions better than many species, though it remains less cold-hardy than temperate perennials and requires more precise watering than succulents or foliage houseplants.
Watch out for
Poinsettias are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and drafts, which can trigger early leaf drop. Consistent watering is critical, as both waterlogging and drought stress harm the plant. Day-length photoperiod strongly influences flowering, so maintaining regular light and dark cycles helps maintain the characteristic colored bracts. Indoor humidity should be moderate, as low moisture in heated homes can weaken the plant and invite spider mites.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
Native Range
Mexico
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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