Euphorbia pulcherrima aka Poinsettia

Taxonomy

Euphorbia pulcherrima, commonly known as the poinsettia, is a flowering plant species from the spurge family Euphorbiaceae, originating from Mexico and Central America. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States minister to Mexico, is credited with introducing the plant to the US in the 1820s. The plant is known for its red and green foliage and is widely used in Christmas floral displays. Poinsettias are shrubs or small trees, with heights of up to 4 meters. While often believed to be highly toxic, the poinsettia is not dangerous to pets or children, and exposure to the plant usually results in no effect, although it can cause minor symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Wild poinsettia populations are highly fragmented, as their habitat is experiencing largely unregulated deforestation. They were cultivated by the Aztecs for use in traditional medicine. Every year, approximately 70 million poinsettias of many cultivated varieties are sold in the United States during a six-week period, with many of these poinsettias grown by Paul Ecke Ranch, which serves half the worldwide market and 70 percent of the US market. Poinsettia plants remain popular holiday flowers, with the familiar red blooms being joined by even flashier colors. The bright bracts are designed to attract insects to the tiny yellow flowers in their centers. Although associated with the winter season, these plants are native to the tropics of Central America. Plants in the Euphorbia genus have poisonous, milky, white, latex-like sap, so they should be kept far from curious pets and children. With some extra care, it is possible to get poinsettias to rebloom the next season.

Common names

Poinsettia, Christmas Flower, Nochebuena

How to care for Poinsettia

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Poinsettia is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Poinsettia does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When growing the Poinsettia, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.

Lighting

Poinsettia requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Christmas Flower is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Poinsettia to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Poinsettia is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

Poinsettia plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

Fertilizer

The Poinsettia grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Poinsettia as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Poinsettia’s native range is Worldwide.

Flower

Yes, if you provide your Poinsettia with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia