- Grows well in
- Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate, Mediterranean
- Lifecycle
- Evergreen to deciduous warm-climate shrub
- Light
- Full sun, Part shade
- Mature size
- Around 1.5–4 m outdoors if unpruned; much smaller in pots
- Spacing
- About 1–2 m outdoors
- Growth habit
- Branching warm-climate shrub with coloured winter bracts
- Native range
- Mexico to Guatemala
- Natural habitat
- Seasonally dry tropical forest, scrub and rocky slopes.
When to plant
Tropical
August–November
Subtropical
September–November
Temperate
October–November
Mediterranean
September–November
Plant or move outdoors in spring after frost risk. Prune after the winter display.
Planting
Plant outdoors only in a warm protected well-drained position. Container plants need drainage and enough light for sturdy growth.
Position and light
Sunny to very bright light. Outdoors, some afternoon shade can help in intense heat; deep shade produces lanky growth.
Soil
Free-draining soil or quality potting mix. Poinsettias are prone to root problems when constantly wet.
Watering
Water thoroughly, then let the upper mix begin to dry. Never leave a decorative pot holding water around the roots.
Feeding
Feed after flowering and pruning as fresh growth begins. Do not push fertiliser while a gift plant is in full display.
Pruning
Prune after the winter display to keep a garden plant compact and encourage multiple new branches. Wear gloves.
Propagation
Stem cuttings from healthy prunings can be rooted in warm conditions after the sap stops bleeding.
Common problems
Root rot, whitefly and mealybugs can occur. Indoor plants decline quickly in very dark positions.
Safety notes
White latex sap can irritate skin and eyes and may cause illness if eaten. Wear gloves and keep away from pets and children who chew plants.
Worth knowing
The coloured 'petals' are modified leaves called bracts; the true flowers are the small yellow structures at the centre of each cluster. Outdoors in Australia, the main display follows Southern Hemisphere winter day length, triggered by the shortening days rather than by cold. Poinsettias sold as short-term indoor gift plants are usually raised under controlled conditions to flower on schedule, and in a garden setting they are unlikely to repeat that same neat display without similarly consistent light and temperature.
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How it grows around Australia
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