SPECIES: Euphorbia (u-for'bi-a) pulcherrima (pul-ker'ri-ma)

DESCRIPTION: Large red, cream or pink flowers on sturdy stems that can be as short as 8 to 10 inches on a plant that grows 2 feet tall.

FLOWERS: Not really flowers but colorful bracts surrounding an insignificant greenish flower for two to three months.

GENERAL HOLIDAY CARE: Place near bright sunny window, away from heat duct. Do not allow leaves to touch cold window panes.

WATER: When top layer of soil feels dry, water plant thoroughly. Punch a hole in decorative foil for good drainage.

SPRING: When plant drops leaves, move to place where temperature is 55-60 degrees. Water only to keep from shriveling, about every three to four weeks. Cut stems back to 6 inches high.

SUMMER: After frost danger, put poinsettia outdoors. Repot in container one or two inches larger if roots are growing through drainage holes. Use soil mix of two parts packaged soil, one part peat moss and one part perlite. Before placing outdoors, prune shoots to 8-10 inches high, again cutting just above a node on each stem. The cuttings can be rooted in water and potted in the same soil mix. Place poinsettia in full shade for about two weeks, gradually changing its location until it gets more morning sun. By mid-summer, it should get full morning sun and partial afternoon shade. Water frequently and feed lightly every two or three weeks. Cut off tips of each shoot at least once while poinsettia is outdoors to promote branching.

FALL: Starting in early September, the plant must be in total darkness between sunset and sunrise each night so the plant's bracts turn red by Christmas. Bring inside before first frost. Simulate darkness by placing a light-tight box over the plant for a minimum of 12 to 14 hours. The temperature in the room should be about 70 degrees F.