Euphorbia pulcherrima, also known as the poinsettia, is a significantly important plant for the horticulture industry. Millions of poinsettias are sold to consumers during the winter holiday. They are known for their attractive bracts that subtend the flowers.
The most common and most popular variety is the red poinsettia. However, there exists today an extensive range of colors, from white to variegated. These plants are often seen as dispensable and thrown away soon after the holidays. Poinsettias are easy to grow and can continue to grow for years to come. In fact, in warmer areas of the southeast, poinsettias can be planted outside and survive for years!
Potential Toxicity One important thing to note is the family of these plants comes from Euphorbiaceae. This family of plants is characterized as having mildly toxic plant parts. E. pulcherrima is no exception to this rule. These plants are mildly toxic and should always be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Avoid getting the mildly irritating sap into eyes or on skin. Wash sap off hands immediately. Do not allow children or pets to consume any plant parts or sap from wounds on the plant. If sap touches the skin, wash immediately with soapy water.
Growing poinsettiasEuphorbia pulcherrima is an easy plant to grow. It requires conditions similar to those of most house plants. It is ideal to give it bright indirect light a few feet off an east or south-facing window. It allows the top few inches of soil to dry between watering and fertilizer in the spring and summer. This will give the plants the best chance of success. Avoid overwatering at all costs!
According to Dr. Brian Whipker Professor, Commercial Floriculture Production Horticultural Science NC State Extension, NC State University, "Poinsettia generally do best at the same temperatures most people keep their homes in the winter from 60 to 68°F. Cold temperatures below 55°F will damage these tropical plants.
