Free Euphorbia Pulcherrima Plants

A boldly coloured plant that is a popular feature at Christmas. The large bracts, which may be red, pink, or creamy white, remain attractive for three or four months. After this time the plant should be pruned hard back, by a half to two-thirds. It can then be left to grow as a foliage plant or an attempt can be made to encourage the bracts to grow again the following winter. This involves keeping the plant in complete darkness after the hours of daylight at the end of summer. To avoid leaf loss keep the plant at a constant temperature and avoid over-watering.

Plant type : Flowering plant with upright, bushy habit
Season of interest : Winter and early spring
Size : 20-60cm (8—24in)
Flower : Tiny, petal-less yellow flowers produced amidst red, pink or cream-white bracts, 10-15cm (4—6in)
Leaf : Lobed, 7.5-12.5cm (3—5in) long, mid to dark green with pinkish red stems
Temperature : 16-21°C (61 -70°F)
Aspect/Light : Well lit position with very slight shade from brightest sun
Humidity : Moderate
Watering : Evenly moisten compost from spring to autumn, allowing to dry out a little before re-watering; keep drier in winter
Feeding : Once every two to three weeks with flowering plant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Plant 7.5cm (3in) tip cuttings in 6cm (2.5in) diameter pot of seed and cutting compost at 21 -22°C (70—72°F) from mid spring to early summer
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : White fly, leaf loss if over-watered or subjected to draughts or cold
Availability : Commonly available, especially around Christmas
Uses indoors : Seasonal plant for table-centre display in lounge, dining room or office