The poinsettia, known scientifically as Euphorbia pulcherrima, is a plant commonly associated with the holiday season due to its vibrant, colorful bracts. These modified leaves are often mistaken for flowers and come in shades ranging from traditional red to pink, white, and even marbled varieties. Native to Mexico and Central America, the poinsettia has become the most popular potted plant sold in the United States during the Christmas period. Its bright display brings a festive touch to homes and public spaces worldwide.
Essential Poinsettia Care
Light Requirements
Poinsettias thrive in bright, indirect light, requiring at least six hours of daylight daily. Placing them near a south, east, or west-facing window is suitable. Direct sunlight can cause the colorful bracts to fade and may lead to drying or browning of leaf tips. Insufficient light can result in the bracts turning green and dropping.
Watering Practices
Proper watering involves allowing the top surface of the soil to dry to the touch before watering again. When watering, thoroughly moisten the soil until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Remove any excess water from the saucer or decorative foil wrapping to prevent root rot. Overwatering can lead to yellowing and dropping leaves, while underwatering can cause wilting and premature leaf drop.
Temperature and Humidity Needs
Poinsettias prefer indoor temperatures between 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius) for best growth. Temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) can damage the plant and cause leaf and bract drop. Avoid placing poinsettias near cold drafts, heat vents, fireplaces, or other sources of extreme temperature fluctuations. Average household humidity levels are sufficient.
Feeding Your Poinsettia
Poinsettias do not require fertilization while in bloom during the holiday season. Fertilizing during this period can negatively affect the plant. If you plan to keep the plant after the holidays, begin fertilizing when new growth appears in spring or early summer. Use a balanced, all-purpose houseplant fertilizer mixed at half the recommended strength, applying it every three to four weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Poinsettia Issues
Poinsettias can exhibit several signs of distress, often related to improper care. Leaf drop is a common issue, frequently caused by drastic temperature changes, overwatering, or underwatering. Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or over-fertilization, especially if the soil is soggy. Wilting signals that the plant is too dry and needs water. To address these issues, review the plant’s light, temperature, watering, and feeding routines, ensuring proper drainage.
Getting Your Poinsettia to Re-bloom
Encouraging a poinsettia to re-bloom for the next holiday season requires specific care. After the holidays, when the colorful bracts begin to fade, prune the stems back to about 4 to 6 inches, ensuring a few leaves remain on each stem. New growth will emerge from these pruned points. During spring and summer, continue regular watering and begin fertilizing every two to three weeks with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
To initiate re-blooming, poinsettias require a period of uninterrupted darkness. Starting in late September or early October, place the plant in complete darkness for 12 to 16 hours each night. This can be achieved by moving it to a dark closet or covering it with an opaque box. During the day, the plant needs bright, indirect light for 8 to 10 hours.
This dark treatment should continue for 8 to 10 weeks, until new colored bracts begin to show by mid-December. Maintaining night temperatures in the low 60s Fahrenheit during this period is helpful.
Poinsettia Facts and Myths
The actual flowers are small, yellow clusters found at the center of the bracts. The poinsettia was introduced to the United States by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Minister to Mexico, in the 1820s.
A common misconception is that poinsettias are poisonous. While not intended for consumption, studies show they are not dangerous to humans or pets and cause only mild irritation like nausea or vomiting if ingested. The milky sap found in the stems and leaves can cause skin irritation for those sensitive to latex.