Posts Tagged: Euphorbia pulcherrima

Poinsettia Care

Poinsettias, Euphorbia pulcherrima, are my favorite holiday plant.  Every year, I buy four to six plants to decorate my home.  I love the bright red flowers and they add such a festive touch! Plus they are now available in many colors – white, pink, burgundy, etc. Some even have glitter on them to add more sparkle to my home.

Poinsettias in full bloom. (photo by Jack Kelly Clark, UCANR)

Poinsettias require bright light. If possible, place them near a sunny window where it will get the most available sunlight.  A window that faces south, east, or west is better than one facing north. A temperature between 65º F and 70º F is ideal during daylight to keep the plant in bloom. Avoid exposing the plant to hot or cold drafts, such as furnace air outlets, which may cause premature leaf drop.

Keep plants well-watered but do not over water.  Check the soil daily. When the surface is dry to the touch, water the soil until it runs freely out of drainage hole in the container.  A wilted plant may drop its leaves prematurely.  Enjoy your plants and happy holidays!

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