'Tis the season! Nothing says Christmas like a live Red Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), the classic holiday flower with bright red bracts that last for weeks. Shop our poinsettia plants for sale, delivered to your door or sent as a gift.
Red Poinsettia Care & Buying Guide
Indoors: Bright, indirect light. Outdoors: Partial sun on a patio where nights are above 65°F.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually about once a week. If the pot comes in a foil sleeve, punch holes in it so water can drain.
Add a gravel tray, or use a humidifier or group with other plants. Spritz daily.
Average comfortable room temperatures will be sufficient. These plants do not like cold temperatures under 60°F. Avoid cold drafts, or the plant will drop its leaves in protest.
Take outside where temperatures stay above 65°F at night. They can live in a part sun (4-6 hours) location on a patio in warmer climates.
No fertilizer is needed for your Poinsettia during the holiday season. As new green leaves emerge, then start the monthly process. Apply a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season. After Labor Day, reduce your recommended strength of fertilizer by one-fourth. Back off on the fertilization schedule after the bracts have turned colors to prolong the color.
When receiving the plant, do not repot immediately but wait at least 6-12 months. When the plant is ready to repot (late spring or early summer), plant in a 2" bigger container in diameter and slightly deeper than the existing container. Use an indoor container mix that is well-draining and amended with peat moss and perlite. Add soil to the bottom to elevate the root ball. Tenderly lift the plant and release the roots against the existing planter. Use a clean knife or garden trowel to wedge between the pot and the soil to loosen. Inspect the root ball. Notice if there are any dead or rotting roots and trim off with sterile pruners. If the plant was rootbound, cut through the roots to alleviate continued encircling. Ensure the plant is sitting about 1" below the edge of the pot to avoid water spillage. Add more soil and backfill around the sides by tamping down. Do not cover the current level of soil on the plant but add soil up to this level. Replant and water thoroughly, leaving the soil damp but not soggy. Add more soil after watering if the soil settles. Hydrate the leaves with filtered water by spritzing. Your plant may wilt at first from transplanting but will recover shortly.
If your plant has grown and become too leggy, it's time to trim! Cut the stems back (using gloves to avoid the milky sap from irritating your skin) to five inches tall to promote leafy growth. Each month, continue to prune away any dead or fading leaves from the plant and keep the soil surface clean. Keep trimming throughout the season to promote leafier growth.
To propagate, take cuttings between 3-4 inches long with 3-4 leaves. These cuttings should be from new growth since the holiday season and not old colored leaves. Insert the stem in water, then rooting hormone, and place in a well-draining moist potting mix. Place a clear plastic bag over the container to keep things damp and humid while the cutting roots. Place the cutting in warm, bright, indirect light. Within a month, the root system should be developed.
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Red Christmas Flower (Poinsettia): Overview
The Christmas Poinsettia, scientifically known as Euphorbia pulcherrima, is a vibrant holiday favorite. It is instantly recognizable by its striking red "flowers," which are actually specialized leaves called bracts. Native to Mexico, Red Poinsettias thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 and prefer bright, indirect sunlight. These tropical plants are moderately easy to care for and symbolize celebration, success, and holiday cheer.
Though beautiful, Poinsettias are mildly toxic to pets and should be kept out of their reach. This holiday plant's name comes from Joel Poinsett, the first U.S. Minister to Mexico, who introduced the plant to the United States. Poinsettias hold a special meaning and are an iconic staple in holiday decor, cherished for their eye-catching beauty and festive appearance.
Poinsettia: Benefits
- An easy-care plant, ideal for novice plant parents
- Red bracts that hold their color for weeks with good care
- A great gift plant for the holidays
- It has an aesthetic appeal that enhances any festive decor
- The perfect Christmas flower decoration
Red Poinsettia: Common Names
- Christmas Flower
- Christmas Star
- Lobster flower
- Mexican Flameleaf
- Painted Leaf
Buying Poinsettia Plants Online
Choose a Small or Medium Red Poinsettia in a grower pot, an Eco Pot (Coconut, Earl Grey, Chai, or Macadamia), or a light basket, from $43. Order early for poinsettia delivery before the holidays, or add a gift note in the cart. When it arrives, unwrap it right away and set it in bright, indirect light, away from cold drafts and heat vents.
Poinsettias are mildly toxic to pets, so keep yours out of reach of cats and dogs. For watering, reblooming, and what to do if the leaves turn yellow, read our poinsettia care guide.
Red Poinsettia (Christmas Flower): Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants
The vibrant Red Poinsettia Flower is a classic holiday staple that brings festive cheer to any space. Whether used as a statement piece or part of a larger holiday display, it adds warmth and color during the holiday season.
Best Locations & Uses
- Perfect for your living room decor, complementing Christmas centerpieces or candle ring displays
- Adds festive decor to office desks and reception areas
- This Christmas flower is ideal for entryways to create a welcoming holiday atmosphere
- Suitable for novice plant enthusiasts due to easy care needs
- Makes an excellent holiday gift plant for friends or family
Companion Plants
For a harmonious holiday display, consider pairing your Red Poinsettia with other festive plants:
- Rosemary Christmas Tree (Rosmarinus officinalis): The Rosemary Christmas Tree is charming and fragrant, adding a touch of greenery that can be decorated with lights or ornaments.
- Aglaonema Red Siam (Aglaonema commutatum 'Red Siam'): Aglaonema Red Siam's striking red and green foliage complements the poinsettia's vibrant hues perfectly.
- Baby Blue Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus pulverulenta 'Baby Blue'): The Baby Blue Eucalyptus adds a refreshing scent and soft blue-green foliage, enhancing the holiday ambiance.
Alternative Plants
If you're looking for pet-friendly alternatives to the Red Poinsettia, consider these vibrant holiday options:
- Red Lip Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.): The Red Lip Moth Orchid is a stunning flower that brings elegance and a pop of color to any holiday setting.
- Pink Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii): The Pink Christmas Cactus is an eye-catching succulent with beautiful pink blooms, perfect for festive decor.
- Red Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii): The Red Christmas Cactus offers rich red flowers that bloom throughout the season, adding warmth and charm to your space.
Get a Gorgeous Red Poinsettia This Christmas From Lively Root
Bring home the timeless beauty of a Poinsettia this holiday season. Order today for poinsettia delivery to your door, and explore more Christmas plants. Every plant is backed by our 100% Happiness Guarantee.
