Welcome to our essential guide to growing and caring for Poinsettia plants at home. If there’s one plant known for spreading holiday cheer, it’s the Poinsettia or Euphorbia pulcherrima. This species appears in droves during the winter months, creating striking decor with its bright red and deep green foliage. Here’s how I care for Poinsettia plants at home.
Poinsettia Plant Care – Key Takeaways:
| Botanical Name: | Euphorbia pulcherrima |
| Also Known As: | Poinsettias, Christmas Flower, Easter Flower, Mexican Flame Leaf |
| Growing Difficulty: | Easy to moderate. Suitable for beginners. |
| Light Requirements: | Prefers at least six hours of bright, filtered light each day. |
| Temperature and Humidity: | Thrives in ambient temperatures ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit with moderate to high humidity. |
| Watering Needs: | Water when the top two inches of the plant’s soil are dry. Water thoroughly and discard excess water that exits the drainage hole. |
| Soil Preferences: | A loose, well-draining soil works best. This plant enjoys peat-based soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 5.6 and 6.3 on the pH scale. |
| Fertilizing: | Any all-purpose fertilizer will work well for this plant. Only fertilize in the spring if needed to encourage growth. |
| Growth Expectations: | Can reach anywhere from two to 13 feet in height and two to seven feet in width. |
| Toxicity: | This plant may cause mild irritation or discomfort in pets if consumed, but it is not poisonous. Its sap can irritate the skin on contact. |
How to Grow Poinsettias
If you buy a Mexican Flame Leaf for the holidays, it won’t likely grow much larger than its current size. Typically, this plant will stay around one to two feet tall indoors, in my experience.
The Poinsettia can reach anywhere from two to 13 feet tall and two to seven feet wide in its natural habitat.
What to Do Before Planting
Before planting your Poinsettia, you’ll want to find a spot in your home that receives at least six hours of bright, indirect light each day. The plant looks lovely on windowsills and side tables or in a hanging basket. Just make sure it’s in a place that doesn’t have drafts of any temperature.
You’ll also want to gather the right tools and materials, which we’ve listed in the Essential Tools section below.
If you’re buying your plant from a local shop, choose a Poinsettia that has full, vibrant bracts and healthy-looking blooms.
Best Soil Types
Poinsettias prefer loose, well-draining soil. This species loves peat-based soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 5.6 and 6.3 on the pH scale. I like to mix in some coco coir or bark to help with water drainage.
How to Plant
Here are the steps I take when planting or repotting a Poinsettia.
- Create a loose, well-draining potting mix. This plant loves peat-based soil. You can also add ingredients like orchid bark to improve drainage.
- Choose a container that is one pot size bigger than the plant’s current pot. Make sure the container has a drainage hole.
- Add a layer of soil to the bottom of the pot. Make sure there is enough soil at the base, so the root ball’s surface will rest in a similar position to how it is in its current container.
- Add the plant’s root ball into the container and fill any gaps so it is sturdy in its new home.
- Water thoroughly.
Light Preferences
Your Poinsettias need to be in a spot with six hours or more of bright, filtered light daily. I find that a south, west, or east-facing spot will work well for this species.
Temperature and Humidity Preferences
Now, this plant will appreciate temperatures ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Poinsettias will also enjoy an environment with moderate to high humidity. You can mist the plant regularly to provide more humidity if needed.If it’s particularly cold or dry, I like to use a small indoor plant humidifier to boost moisture around the plant.
How to Care for Poinsettias at Home
Watering
A good rule of thumb is to water the Mexican Flame Leaf plant when the top inch or two of the soil has dried out. This will likely vary depending on conditions in your home, like temperature and humidity.
Make sure the soil stays moist without letting your Poinsettias sit in soggy soil, as this can cause root rot. If the plant you purchased is covered in a festive wrapping, you must poke a hole in the bottom so water can exit the drainage hole.
Additionally, you should slowly decrease this plant’s water intake as spring approaches.
Fertilization Needs
You won’t need to fertilize your Poinsettias while they are in bloom. However, if you’re trying to get the plant to bloom the following year again, you may want to use an all-purpose fertilizer. Apply at half-strength from every two weeks to once a month until the plant flowers again.
Pruning
Pruning your Poinsettia in the early spring can give it a healthier appearance and promote new growth. You can cut the plant anywhere from half its original size to four inches in height. Simply use sharp shear to cut back the plant’s stems, leaving a few leaves on each.
Propagation
The best time to propagate your Poinsettia is in the fall, just before you want blooms to emerge. Here are the steps to take to propagate your Poinsettia.
- Put on gloves to avoid contact with the plant’s sap, as it can irritate.
- Use sharp scissors to take a cutting with foliage at the top and no bract present.
- Remove leaves from the bottom few inches of the plant, leaving around four to six toward the top of the cutting.
- Apply rooting hormone to the fresh cut at the base of the cutting.
- Add the soil mix you used for your original Poinsettia plant to a small container and place the cutting into the pot.
- Water thoroughly and place in a greenhouse or plastic bag. This will allow the plant to retain moisture until it establishes roots.
When and How to Repot
You may want to repot your Poinsettia once the holiday festivities are over. After that, you should repot the plant once every two to three years if you notice its roots are becoming crowded. Follow the steps in the How to Plant section above to repot your Poinsettia.
Common Problems and How to Treat Them
Signs of Watering Issues
If you aren’t watering your Poinsettias enough, their leaves will begin to wilt, fall off, or turn yellow or black. If you’re overwatering, the plant can develop root rot. Avoid these issues by keeping the plant’s soil moist but not overly wet. Feel the top layer of soil regularly and water when it is dry.
Signs of Light-Related Issues
Poinsettias are short-day plants, so light conditions will significantly affect their blooms. To help this plant bloom at its best, keep it in complete darkness for 12 to 15 hours from evening to morning, starting in the autumn months.
During the day, it can still receive its preference of bright, filtered sunlight. Continue this cycle for eight to 10 weeks for optimal blooms.
Signs of Temperature Issues
If your Poinsettia gets too cold, its leaves will wilt or fall off. If it gets too hot, the plant may experience root damage and is more susceptible to fungal infections.
Avoid temperature-related issues by keeping this plant at 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure the plant is not exposed to drafts of any temperature.
Common Pests and Diseases
Unfortunately, Poinsettias may experience issues related to pests and diseases. Here are a few to look out for and how to treat them.
- Root rot: If you notice that your Poinsettia has developed root rot, remove it from its soil, cut away the affected area, and plant it in a clean soil mix.
- Powdery mildew: If you notice powdery mildew, cut away the affected leaves and move your Poinsettia into a position with more light.
- Gnats and other insects: If you notice an insect infestation on your Poinsettia, remove any of the pests manually if possible. Then, apply an insecticide until the issue subsides.
Here is our complete list of tools you’ll want to have on hand when caring for a Poinsettia at home.
- Gloves for handling the plant
- Soil prove if preferred to finger testing soil
- Watering can
- Cutting scissors or shears
- All-purpose fertilizer at half strength
- Loose, well-draining soil
- Orchid bark or similar ingredient for added drainage if needed
- A container with a drainage hole
- Rooting hormone for propagation
About Poinsettias
The species name for Poinsettias is Euphorbia pulcherrima. This plant belongs to the genus Euphorbia and the plant family Euphorbiaceae, or the spurge family.
Poinsettias are native to Mexico and Central America. The Aztecs were the first group to cultivate Poinsettias, but the first written descriptions of the species date back to 1834. This plant grows in the wild on slopes in Guatemala and Mexico.
Today, Poinsettias are cultivated around the world as decorative plants. They are popular around holidays like Christmas and Easter and are one of the best red houseplants to add to your collection.
Botanical Characteristics
Of course, Poinsettias are famous for their striking red and green foliage. However, what appears to be red leaves or petals are actually bracts. These are specialized leaves that differ from their green foliage.
This perennial shrub also has small yellow flowers. However, their appearance is insignificant compared to the vibrant leaves and bracts.
Common Varieties to Grow as Houseplants
There are many more types of Poinsettias out there than the Classic Red variety. Here are a few other popular types of Poinsettias to grow as houseplants.
Classic White Poinsettias
The Classic White Poinsettia has cream-colored bracts and dark green foliage. This variety tolerates heat better than others, so it’s a good choice for warmer climates.
Gold Rush
The Gold Rush Poinsettia has an autumnal aesthetic, with golden bracts that grow slightly pink toward the center. This variety makes a great addition to fall decor.
Prestige Maroon
The Prestige Maroon Poinsettia has a deeper hue than the traditional Classic Red Poinsettia. It makes a great holiday decoration if you enjoy its deep, dramatic look.
Viking Red
The Viking Red Poinsettia has impressively large bracts. This plant is larger than other Poinsettias, so it looks great paired with smaller varieties.
Princettia Pure White
Unlike the Classic White, the Princettia Pure White is a bright white color without the undertones of yellow or cream. This plant has green veins, creating a unique, textured appearance.
J’adore Pink Poinsettias
There are plenty of pink Poinsettias, but the J’adore Pink variety offers an impressive shade of bright pink. This plant may also be hardier than other Poinsettia options.
Christmas Beauty Nostalgia
The Christmas Beauty Nostalgia Poinsettia has faded pink bracts with pale green edges. This plant lives up to its name, creating a nostalgic holiday feel.
Candy Wintergreen
The Candy Wintergreen Poinsettia has a bright yellow-green color. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something other than the traditional holiday colors.
Ice Punch
The Ice Punch Poinsettia has reddish-pink bracts with stripes of cream down their centers. This variety makes a great focal point, or a nice pairing with the Classic Red and White varieties.
Jingle Bells
The Jingle Bells Poinsettia has bright red bracts dotted with white spots. This plant is a great choice for fun holiday parties that stray from traditional decor.
Wrapping Up
No matter your winter decor, any space will look great with a Poinsettia or two. It’s an easy houseplant that brings a burst of color into your home and will last several years with the proper care. Give the Mexican Flame Leaf as a holiday gift to spread a little cheer this season.
Brandy Wells
Contributing Editor | brandy@petalrepublic.com | Full Bio
Brandy Wells is an American copywriter and content writer living in Spain. From hiking in her hometown near the Smoky Mountains to digging in the dirt in rural Oregon, she has always put a love of nature at the heart of her endeavors. These days, you’ll catch her writing content, and of course, taking breaks to tend to her growing houseplant collection.
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