This particular plant, clearly a relative of the popular Poinsettia, is admired for its spectacular color combination and ease of care.
Its main attraction is the striking foliage, which beautifully blends shades of deep green and vibrant red. The leaves are described as oval-shaped with a slightly glossy texture, ensuring the plant maintains a constantly vibrant and lively look. Unlike many plants where flowers are the main event, the beauty of this Euphorbia truly lies in these decorative leaves. Since the color is present year-round, this plant is functionally evergreen.
While the foliage is show-stopping, the plant does produce small, inconspicuous flowers that typically appear in clusters. These flowers are usually small and yellowish, often hidden by the colorful leaves (or bracts, which are often mistaken for the flowers). This plant is generally not known for a strong fragrance. As it is prized for its leaves, it does not produce significant edible fruit.
The plants are being sold at a notable height of about 75 cm (around 30 inches), making them an excellent mid-sized feature for a floor or large tabletop display right away. In pots, they maintain a manageable, bushy height, but they are capable of becoming small trees in their native, warm environments.
This Euphorbia is quite versatile in its placement. It thrives best in bright, indirect light but is resilient enough to tolerate direct sunlight. This makes it ideal for bright indoor spaces like living rooms or offices, but it can also be placed outside in a warm, sunny location during the warmer months.
It has a moderate water requirement. The key is to allow the top layer of soil to dry completely before giving it a drink. During the active growing season (spring and summer), a weekly watering is generally sufficient, but you should reduce this frequency in winter when the plant's growth slows down.
This plant does not have thorns or spines. Its most common and recognizable name in English is usually Poinsettia, though this specific green/red variety might be a hybrid known simply by its botanical genus, Euphorbia.
Note: Like many plants in the Euphorbia family, the sap (the milky white substance exuded when the plant is cut) is considered mildly toxic. It can cause skin and eye irritation in sensitive individuals and is also mildly toxic to pets (cats and dogs) if ingested. It is best to handle it with care and keep it away from small children and animals.
