Christmas star
Euphorbia pulcherrima
#83 of the top 100
How to care
Euphorbia pulcherrima, commonly known as the poinsettia, is a popular holiday plant known for its vibrant red and green foliage. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers a warm environment. Avoid exposing it to cold drafts or temperatures below 60°F (15°C). Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and ensure good drainage.
Light Preference
Full Sun
Part Shade
Size
- Height
- 0.1 m – 0.5 m
- Spread
- 0.1 m – 0.5 m
- Years
- 1 – 2
Preferred soil
Loam
Alkaline
Neutral
Propagation
Cutting
Life Cycle
Perennial
Lives for more than two years.
Hardiness Zone
9b
-3.9°C – -1.1°C
113
Leaves
- Evergreen
- Green
Flowers
- Inconspicuous
- Pink
- Red
- White
Toxic to
- LeafCatsModerate · Ingestion
- LeafDogsModerate · Ingestion
- LeafHumansMild · Ingestion
- LeafHumansMild · Skin contact
Informational only — not veterinary or medical advice. Missing data does not mean a plant is safe.
Other names
- Poinsettia
Taxonomy
- Order
- Malpighiales
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Genus
- Euphorbia