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Poinsettia care
Euphorbia pulcherrima · Euphorbiaceae
Also called Christmas star, Christmas flower, Lobster flower.
A shrub from the dry Pacific slopes of Mexico and Guatemala, sold in winter for its red, pink or cream bracts. Indoors it stays compact and keeps its colour for six to eight weeks if it is kept warm, out of drafts and not overwatered.
Light
Bright IndirectWatering
WeeklyDifficulty
MediumPets
Toxic to cats and dogsHeight indoors
30-60 cm
GrowthUnconfirmed
Moderate
Temperature
16-21 °C
Not below 13 °C
HumidityUnconfirmed
40% - 60%
Average room humidity
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Slightly acidic soil
Native to
- Mexico
- Guatemala
Through the year
Water only when the surface of the compost feels dry, let the excess drain away and never leave the pot standing in water.
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Spring
Every 2 weeksWhen the bracts fade, water less and let it rest; in late spring cut it back to about 10 cm and repot.
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Summer
WeeklyGrow it in a bright, warm spot and pinch the tips every few weeks until midsummer for a bushy shape.
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Autumn
WeeklyFrom the end of September give it 14 hours of complete darkness every night and bright light by day to colour the bracts.
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Winter
WeeklyEnjoy the colour; keep it warm, out of drafts and water sparingly.
Feeding
Every 4 weeks in spring and summer and autumn. Balanced houseplant fertilizer, only if you keep it after the holidays. Do not feed while it is in colour.
Care tips
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Protect it on the way home
Ask for it to be wrapped; a few minutes in freezing air can damage the bracts.
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Remove the decorative foil
Make holes in it or take it off so water can drain.
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Keep it off cold sills
A table near, not against, a bright window works best.
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Mind the sap
Wear gloves when cutting it, especially if you have a latex allergy.
Common problems
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Sudden leaf drop
What you seeLeaves and bracts fall within days of bringing it home.
What to doKeep it at 16 to 21 °C, away from cold windows, doors and radiators; a chill in the shop or car is the usual cause.
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Root rot
What you seeLeaves wilt and yellow even though the compost is wet.
What to doRemove any foil sleeve that traps water, empty the saucer and wait until the surface is dry before watering again.
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Whiteflies
What you seeTiny white insects fly up when the plant is touched.
What to doHang yellow sticky traps nearby and spray the leaf undersides with insecticidal soap.
Pets
Is poinsettia safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic to cats and dogs. Mildly toxic: the ASPCA says its milky, irritant sap can upset the mouth and stomach and sometimes causes vomiting, and that its toxicity is generally overrated.
Good to know
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The coloured parts are bracts, modified leaves; the true flowers are the small yellow buds in the centre.
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Its English name honours Joel Roberts Poinsett, who brought it to the United States in 1828.
