Birthday
HydrangeasThe poinsettia, or "Christmas star", is the plant of the winter holidays: its bright red "stars" appear in shops from November. Here is where the poinsettia comes from, why its leaves turn red, how to choose one, how to care for it after the holidays and how to get it to colour up again next year.
Poinsettias and other festive plants are available in our potted plants section with delivery in Kyiv.
What the plant is
The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a spurge native to Mexico, where it grows into a shrub several metres tall. It is named after Joel Poinsett, the first US minister to Mexico, who brought it to the United States in the 1820s. The bright "petals" are actually bracts — modified leaves; the true flowers are the tiny yellow beads in the centre.
Besides classic red, there are white, cream, pink, salmon, variegated and even dyed, glittered varieties.
How to choose a poinsettia
- The yellow central flowers should be fresh and not fully open — the plant will stay decorative longer.
- Foliage should be dense right to the base, with no yellowing or fallen bracts.
- The soil should be neither bone-dry nor waterlogged.
- In winter buy only wrapped plants: even a short trip in the cold can cause leaf drop.
Care at home
- Light: bright and indirect, no harsh midday sun.
- Temperature: 18–22 °C, not below 15 °C; no draughts or hot radiators nearby.
- Watering: when the top of the soil is dry; empty the saucer — poinsettias hate standing water.
- Humidity: a tray of damp pebbles helps in dry, heated rooms.
Leaf drop is usually caused by cold, draughts or overwatering.
How to make it colour up again
Poinsettias are short-day plants: the bracts colour only when nights are long. From early October, put the plant in complete darkness (a cupboard or thick box) for 14 hours every night and give it light by day. After 8–10 weeks the coloured tops appear — just in time for the holidays.
Is the poinsettia poisonous?
The poinsettia is a spurge; its milky sap can irritate skin and mucous membranes, and eating it may upset the stomach of children and pets. The popular myth that it is deadly is not supported, but it is still best kept out of reach of cats, dogs and toddlers. More in houseplants toxic to pets and children.
Poinsettias as gifts and decor
A poinsettia is a great winter gift for colleagues, neighbours and family: it lasts longer than a bouquet and brings instant festive cheer. It is rarely used as a cut flower (the stems bleed sap), but the pot fits easily into arrangements with conifer, cones, candles and red ribbons.
FAQ
Why is my poinsettia dropping leaves?
Usually because of cold during transport, draughts, overwatering or a sudden change in light.
How do I get my poinsettia to turn red again?
From October, give it 14 hours of total darkness every night for 8–10 weeks.
Is the poinsettia dangerous for cats?
Moderately: the sap irritates the mouth and stomach. It rarely causes serious poisoning, but keep it out of reach.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
