Poinsettia Care

Let’s celebrate National Poinsettia Day! These beautiful red poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) growing in the Smithsonian Gardens greenhouses and displayed in the Smithsonian museums are native to Mexico and Central America. They are known by several different names, including Cuitlaxochitl by the Aztecs, Crown of the Andes in Chile and Peru, La Flor de la Nochebuena in Guatemala, and Flor de Pascua or Easter Flowers in Spain. The Mayans and Aztecs used the poinsettia both as a medicinal and d

Poinsettia Care Tips: Placement: Place your poinsettia in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight and cold drafts, as both can cause leaf drop. Temperature: Poinsettias prefer temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night. Avoid extreme temperature changes. Watering: Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid letting it sit in water. Overwatering can cause root rot. Ensure good drainage in the pot. Humidity: Poinsett

Is the poinsettia a #flower?