Poinsettia
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: pulcherrima
Category: Houseplants
Height: 1.00 m (100 cm)
Spread: 0.50 m (50 cm)
Form: Houseplant
Hardiness: Needs indoor protection in the UK. A room temperature of approx. 60oF is ideal.
Sun/Shade: Good but not bright, direct sunlight.
Soil Type: Good quality houseplant compost
Poinsettias are probably the most recognised foliage houseplants of the Christmas period.
All the commercially grown Poinsettia cultivars are derived from Euphorbia pulcherrima, which is a native of the Sierra Madre region of Mexico, where it can be found growing on forest edges.
The renowned Christmas display of scarlet foliage (there are also popular white, salmon, and pink cultivars) develops on modified leaves called bracts. The striking colours are obtained by subjecting the Poinsettias to a strict regime of restricted daylight hours during October and November.
Step by step guide to caring for your Poinsettia throughout the year and how to colour up those bracts for next Christmas
Sap of these plants is poisonous and will cause skin irritation.
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