Poinsettia

Posted by Hannah Brand on Nov 25th 2024

Weekly Plant Chat: Poinsettia

Hey Plant Friends!

This week we are talking about Euphorbia pulcherrima more commonly known as Poinsettia. You may be familiar with poinsettias as they are a popular holiday flower, errr plant. What are commonly referred to as flowers are actually bracts, or modified leaves. The bracts are signaled to color up in response to short days/long nights. Poinsettias put on vegetative growth until the Autumnal Equinox, then as the days get shorter, they begin to blush and change color.

Family of Origin

Poinsettias are native to Mexico and Central America and belong to the Euphorbia plant family along with many cactus-like plants (crazy right?!).

Plant Care

Light

Poinsettias do best in a bright, indirect light, but do tolerate lower light levels through the holiday season. Direct sun can cause bleaching and burning on leaves.

Soil

Usually there is no need to repot, but if you do, make sure to use a rich, well-drained potting soil such as Espoma's All Purpose Organic Potting Mix.

Water

Water your Poinsettia when the soil surface feels dry. Do not allow the soil to completely dry out as this will cause leaf drop and early spoilage.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer is not needed when you take your poinsettia home from the greenhouse.

Hot Tips

Poinsettias don’t like to catch a cold or hot draft so steer clear of drafty windows and heating vents!

It's important that we wrap your poinsettia in a paper sleeve for transport as the branches are fragile and poinsettias are extremely sensitive to cold weather.

Myth busted: Poinsettias are not toxic unless consumed in large amounts. However, the latex in their stems can irritate skin or eyes.