🌿 Plant Name: Poinsettia

Botanical Name: Euphorbia pulcherrima
Common Names: Christmas Flower, Mexican Flame Leaf, Lobster Plant

🌸 Description

The Poinsettia is a vibrant ornamental plant known for its striking red bracts (often mistaken for petals) that surround small, yellow-green flowers at the center. These colorful bracts make it one of the most popular plants for festive decorations, especially around Christmas.

Native to Mexico and Central America, Poinsettias thrive in warm climates and can grow as shrubs or small trees up to 3 meters tall in the wild.

☀️ Light Requirements

• Prefers bright, indirect sunlight.

• Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.

• In low light, color intensity may fade.

💧 Watering

• Keep the soil lightly moist, not soggy.

• Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.

• Ensure good drainage — Poinsettias dislike standing water.

🌡️ Temperature

• Ideal temperature: 18–25°C (65–77°F).

• Avoid cold drafts or sudden temperature drops.

• Keep away from heaters and air conditioners.

🌱 Soil

• Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter.

• A mix of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite works well.

🌼 Fertilizer

• Feed every 2–3 weeks during the growing season (spring to early autumn) with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

• Do not fertilize when in bloom (winter period).

✂️ Pruning

• Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

• Cut back to about 10–15 cm above soil level in early spring.

⚠️ Toxicity

• Mildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested.

• The milky sap can cause mild skin irritation — handle with care.

🎄 Fun Fact

Poinsettias became associated with Christmas thanks to a Mexican legend about a poor child who offered weeds to Jesus’ manger — which miraculously bloomed into bright red flowers.