This winter-blooming tropical shrub brings a bright splash of color to your indoor garden.
The Christmas-flower is a tender tropical shrub native to Mexico and Central America. Grown indoors or in a warm garden spot with full sun to partial shade, this perennial can reach heights between 0.6 and 3 meters. It is widely loved for the bright color it brings to your home when winter arrives.
Caring for this plant requires a moderate effort, including a moderate watering schedule. It grows at a moderate pace and can be propagated by taking cuttings. You should handle it with care, as it releases a milky latex sap when injured and is toxic to both humans and pets.
What look like large, colorful petals are actually specialized leaves called bracts, which surround the tiny yellow blossoms. These vibrant displays are highly attractive to visiting bees and butterflies. The shrub also pairs beautifully with indoor companion plants like the peace lily, boston fern, and pothos.