Do poinsettias grow in Florida

Yes, poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) can grow in Florida.

Specifically, poinsettias are native to semi-tropical and tropical Latin America. The challenges in Florida come from the threat of bacterial and fungal attacks, high high winds, high temperatures and freezing temperatures. In order to survive, Florida-grown poinsettias need locations that will give them the following:

1. High intensity sunlight from which they are protected from a position of light shade;

2. Humid environment in which breezes are light and therefore do not become bruising or drying;

3. Protection from exposure to herbicides such as weed killers;

4. Soil that is clean and well-aerated; holds moisture but not to the point of waterlogging; and has good drainage and high fertility;

5. Temperatures that range from 60 degrees F/15.56 degrees C at night to 60-80 degrees F/15.56-26.67 degrees F during the day.