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Plant Profiles / Poinsettia
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Poinsettia
Euphorbia pulcherrima · Christmas star
The festive pot plant with bright red, pink or cream bracts. Brings Christmas colour indoors.
Bright indirectLight
WeeklyWater
ModerateCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Bright indirect
ShadeFull sun
Bright light.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
When top dries.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
15–25°C (59–77°F)
CoolWarm
Avoid drafts.
Growth
Moderate
SlowFast
30–60 cm.
Soil
Free-draining
LeanRich
Potting mix.
Fertiliser
Monthly after bloom
RarelyOften
Balanced.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Sap irritates; mildly toxic.
About this plant
Poinsettias come from Mexico. The colourful parts are bracts; true flowers are tiny. Reblooming needs long nights in autumn.
Best spots
Bright indoor spots and sheltered balconies.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Euphorbia pulcherrima |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Plant type | Shrub |
| Mature size | 30–60 cm |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Flowers | Coloured bracts |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic |
| Propagation | Cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Colour
Prune
Long nights
ColourPruneLong nights
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Leaf drop | Cold or drafts. |
| Wilting | Dry or wet. |
| No colour | Needs long nights. |
| Whitefly | Traps. |
| Yellow leaves | Overwatered. |
Common questions
Rebloom?
With 14-hour nights.
Toxic?
Mildly.
Outdoors?
Frost-free.
Bracts?
Coloured leaves.
