Poinsettia

A classic holiday plant, the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) features dark green leaves, colored bracts and small yellow central flowers. Bracts are modified leaves and are often mistaken for flower petals. They can be red, orange, pink, pale green, cream, white or even marbled. Poinsettias are native throughout Mexico and can reach up to 13 feet tall in their natural habitat. Many times they are thrown away after the holidays or once their leaves start dropping. However, with the proper care, they can be kept as a houseplant all year long and can even develop the colored bracts and blooms again.

AKA: Christmas Flower

Light: Prefers bright indirect light; direct morning light is acceptable.

Watering: Water when the soil is dry and to the touch and the leaves are slightly wilting. Water slowly and evenly until water comes out of the drainage holes; discard excess.

Humidity: Keep from cold drafts and hot air. Morning mist occasionally. To increase humidity use a pebble tray, humidifier or group plants together.

Toxicity: Mildly toxic to cats, dogs and humans.

Potting Mix: Regular, loose and well-draining.

Additional Care: When the bracts and leaves start dropping (usually around April) cut the plant back to 4-6 inches. Continue giving it the same light and water and begin fertilizing it once a month. Never fertilize it while in bloom and remember, a little goes a long way. In October give the plant COMPLETE darkness for 14 hours nightly and bright indirect light the rest of the day. Do this for about 10 weeks and by December the colorful bracts and blooms will have developed.