Poinsettia
Euphorbia pulcherrima (Euphorbiaceae)
Cats and dogs
Toxic to cats and dogs
What makes it toxic: Irritant sap.
Signs to watch for: Irritating to the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting, but generally over-rated in toxicity.
Source: ASPCA entry "Poinsettia", checked October 3, 2026.
Light
- Low light 3+ mol
- Medium light 6+ mol
- Bright indirect 10+ mol Best
- Direct sun 12+ mol
Keep it in a bright spot with at least six hours of bright, indirect light a day; direct sun or hot lights can fade the bracts and dry the plant, so filter strong sun with a sheer curtain. Poor light can cause leaves to drop.
Direct sun: best kept out of it.
On our scale it grows well from about 10 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 2.2 (how these numbers are set).
Care
Care level: Moderate. Water: Water thoroughly when the soil surface feels dry, never let it dry out completely, and never let it sit in standing water.
To rebloom it needs about 14-16 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night plus bright light by day for 8-10 weeks starting in autumn (Clemson, NC State).
Pet-safe plants for similar light
- Areca palm bright indirect light
- Gloxinia bright indirect light
- Mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis) bright indirect light
- African violet bright indirect light
- Aluminum plant (Pilea cadierei) bright indirect light
- Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) bright indirect light
Sources
- Toxicity: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "Poinsettia"
- Light and care: Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC, "Poinsettia"
- Light and care: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions, "Poinsettia"
- Light and care: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Euphorbia pulcherrima"