No plant says December like the poinsettia. With proper care the colourful bracts last from early December well into the new year.
Origin and natural habitat
Euphorbia pulcherrima grows wild in Mexico's dry mountain regions, where it can reach several metres. The Aztecs used its red bracts as dye — its career as a Christmas plant began in 1920s California.
Care
Light
Place it bright, ideally in a cool window, but avoid both direct midday sun and draughts. The brighter the spot, the longer the bracts last.
Watering
Let the soil dry slightly between waterings and use tepid water. Cold water and cold feet make leaves drop — poinsettias hate chill.
Soil and feeding
Ordinary potting soil. Do not feed while in bloom. To re-colour bracts for next year it needs twelve hours of complete darkness per day for eight weeks from October.
Common problems
Leaf drop is the classic complaint and comes from cold transport, draughts, or cold water. Yellowing bracts mean too warm or too dark. Whitefly can appear — yellow sticky traps help.
Good to know
The red "flower" is really transformed leaves; the true flowers are the small yellow buds in the centre. The sap is mildly toxic to pets.
