Poinsettia – Euphorbia pulcherrima
Every year, around eight million red-leaved poinsettias are sold at Christmas in the UK alone. They’re also the top-selling houseplant in the United States, where their economic significance is so great that they even have their own day — National Poinsettia Day, celebrated in December.
So why do we associate poinsettias with Christmas? Perhaps it’s simply the colour. Those brilliant red “flowers” — which are actually bracts, or modified leaves — just scream Christmas, don’t they? But then, why do we associate red with Christmas in the first place? That tradition likely stems from Saint Nicholas, who performed acts of kindness (such as dropping gifts down chimneys so they landed in stockings drying by the fire) while wearing his signature red robe.
Of course, there’s also a legend behind the poinsettia’s connection to Christmas — one that feels especially fitting, as these plants are native to southern Mexico, where they grow as large shrubs or small trees rather than as potted houseplants on windowsills.
The story goes like this:
There was once a poor Mexican girl named Pepita who had no gift to give the baby Jesus at the Christmas Eve service. As she walked sadly to the chapel, her cousin Pedro tried to comfort her.
“Pepita,” he said, “I’m sure even the smallest gift, given with love, will make Jesus happy.”
Unsure of what to give, Pepita gathered a small handful of weeds from the roadside and tied them into a simple bouquet. Embarrassed, she placed the humble offering at the base of the nativity scene. Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into bright red blooms, and everyone who saw them was certain they had witnessed a miracle.
From that day on, the bright red flowers became known as Flores de Nochebuena — Flowers of the Holy Night.
What a beautiful story! And while the cynic in me suspects the poinsettia’s annual resurgence has more to do with commercial growers than Christmas miracles, where’s the harm? After all, it wouldn’t quite be Christmas without a poinsettia wrapped in rustic hessian and tied with a gold ribbon, would it?
The Victorians are to thank for popularising poinsettias as ornamental houseplants, turning them into a seasonal staple ever since.
How to Keep Your Poinsettia Alive Beyond March
Let’s be honest — keeping a poinsettia thriving past the festive season can feel like a challenge. But with the right care, it’s absolutely possible.
1. Start with a healthy plant
Because poinsettias are native to Mexico, they hate the cold. Avoid buying plants from outdoor market stalls or draughty shopfronts — they’ll already be stressed before you even bring them home. Instead, buy from a reputable nursery or garden centre, where plants are grown and stored in suitable conditions.
2. Protect it on the journey home
It might sound obvious, but consider how you’ll transport your plant — especially if it’s a gift. You’d be amazed how many poinsettias have met their end after being hidden in cupboards or boxes “for safekeeping,” only to emerge as brown mush on Christmas morning!
3. Find the right spot
Poinsettias dislike cold and draughts, so keep them away from windows and doors. Water sparingly — overwatering does far more harm than underwatering. The easiest way to check if your poinsettia needs a drink is to lift the pot: if it feels light, it’s time to water. Otherwise, check the soil with your finger; if in doubt, leave it a little longer.
You don’t need to fertilize during winter — the soil already contains enough nutrients for the season. However, poinsettias do enjoy humidity, so group them with other houseplants or place them on a tray of pebbles with water just below the surface.
4. Spring care
If your poinsettia is still going strong by April — congratulations! Many don’t make it that far. Now it’s time to hard prune the plant, cutting it back to around 4 inches of growth. You can repot it at this stage using a well-draining houseplant mix, as poinsettias despise soggy roots.
Keep the plant at around 13°C, increasing to 15°C in summer, and start feeding with a 15-5-15 fertilizer mix to encourage healthy growth.
5. Colouring the bracts for next Christmas
Here’s the secret to those vivid red leaves. To “recolour” your poinsettia, you’ll need to simulate its natural light cycle. Starting in September, give the plant complete darkness for 12–14 hours each night for about 10 weeks. Even a sliver of light can interrupt the process, so choose a spot where no stray light can sneak in.
Do this faithfully, and by December, you’ll be rewarded with those iconic crimson bracts — just in time for the holidays.
In short: with a little care and patience, your poinsettia can be much more than a disposable decoration — it can become a living symbol of Christmas, year after year.