Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima): Holiday Icon with Colorful Bracts

Euphorbia pulcherrima: The Christmas Plant That's Not Poisonous

Native to Mexico, poinsettia is the top-selling U.S. flowering plant despite a 6-week season. The “flowers” are colored bracts (modified leaves)—red, white, pink, salmon, yellow, marble, orange, jingle bells. True flowers are tiny yellow cyathia in bract centers. Choose plants with green leaves to soil line, balanced shape, barely open cyathia, no pollen.

Seasonal Care

Bright indirect light; water when surface dry. 65–70°F day, 60–65°F night. Avoid drafts. Can be reflowered with strict 14-hour darkness from October.

Myth Busting

Not poisonous—milky sap may cause minor skin irritation only. Safe for homes with pets/children.