poinsettia red in 5inch pot

Indirect sunlight, water twice a week

🌺 Poinsettia – The Festive Star of Winter

The Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a popular ornamental plant celebrated for its bright, star-shaped displays that light up homes during the winter and Christmas season. Native to Mexico and Central America, it is admired for its colorful bracts rather than true flowers.

🌿 Appearance

• Bracts: Large, pointed, leaf-like structures in shades of red, pink, white, cream, and variegated forms. These give the plant its iconic look.

• Flowers: Small, yellow, button-like structures at the center called cyathia.

• Leaves: Deep green, oval, and slightly toothed, creating a striking contrast with the bracts.

• Height: Grows 1–3 feet indoors; taller when planted outdoors in warm climates.

🌦️ Growing Conditions

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight for best color development.

• Water: Water when the topsoil feels dry. Avoid overwatering and waterlogging.

• Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.

• Temperature: Prefers 18–25°C; sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.

• Care Tip: Requires long nights (darkness) for several weeks to re-bloom and develop colored bracts.

🌱 Uses

• Ornamental: Widely used as a decorative plant during festive seasons.

• Indoor Décor: Ideal for tabletops, entrances, and living spaces.

• Landscape Use: In tropical regions, it can grow as a colorful outdoor shrub.

⚕️ Herbal/Medicinal Uses

Poinsettia has limited traditional medicinal use.
The milky sap (latex) has been used in folk remedies for skin issues and warts, but it can cause skin irritation and should be handled with care.