Originally from Mexico, my scientific name is Euphorbia pulcherrima. I’m an iconic indoor plant of the holiday season — famous for my colorful bracts, often red but sometimes pink, white, or cream, surrounding my tiny yellow flowers.
Did you guessed it? Yes, I’m the poinsettia, also known as the Christmas Star!
I must admit, I can be a little temperamental… but if you treat me gently, I’ll brighten your home all winter long.
I love bright light, but not direct sun. Place me near a well-lit window, but make sure my leaves don’t touch the glass — especially in winter. I’m sensitive to cold, so keep me in a room between 18 and 22°C (64–72°F), away from drafts and heat sources like radiators or fireplaces. A stable, bright, and temperate spot is the secret to my good mood.
I dislike both drought and excess water. Let the top layer of my soil dry slightly before watering again, always using room-temperature and preferably non-calcareous water. If your home is dry, I’ll be grateful for a few light mists on my foliage (never on my flowers!) — it helps me stay vibrant for longer.
A quick botanical note: what you think are my flowers are actually bracts — colorful leaves that surround my tiny yellow blooms. These bracts usually appear from November to February, giving me my festive charm! My green leaves, however, are quite sensitive. If I suddenly lose them, it’s often due to cold air, drafts, or overwatering. Don’t worry — if my stems are still green and supple, I can recover.
During my winter flowering period, I don’t need fertilizer. But if you wish to keep me after the holidays, I’ll appreciate a little feed every two to three weeks in spring and summer to encourage my growth and help new bracts form the following autumn.
I thrive in a light, well-draining substrate. A mix of coconut fiber and worm compost with a bit of sand and perlite suits me perfectly. A pot with drainage holes is essential — otherwise, my roots may rot. If you repot me in spring, choose a slightly larger pot and make sure the soil stays airy. Be gentle, though: my roots are very fragile.
After the festive season, you can trim my stems back to about 10–15 cm (4–6 in) to help me grow again. In spring, once new shoots appear, keep me in a bright spot and give me a little fertilizer. Next autumn, if you want me to bloom again, place me in complete darkness for about 14 hours each night, for 6 to 8 weeks. This little trick encourages my colorful bracts to form — a true labor of love!
I can sometimes be visited by whiteflies, mealybugs, or spider mites, especially in dry air. Check the underside of my leaves regularly and treat promptly if needed. If my leaves turn yellow or fall off, it’s usually due to overwatering or a cold draft — check my roots and adjust your care accordingly.
Like most euphorbias, I produce a milky white sap that is mildly toxic. It can irritate the skin or mucous membranes, so keep me out of reach of children and curious pets — especially those who like to nibble on plants.
Now you know everything you need to keep me radiant throughout the holiday season!
Give me a bright spot, a little care, and measured watering, and I’ll reward you by filling your home with my festive colors.
And who knows? With a bit of patience, I might even bloom again next year…
