Poinsettia is one of the most common and popular ornamental pot plants. In recent years, different strategies have been adopted for the micropropagation of poinsettia which could assist breeders to meet consumer demands. Rapid multiplication of elite clones, the production of pathogen-free plants and faster introduction of poinsettia cultivars (cvs.) with novel traits, are important driving forces in the poinsettia industry. The development of reliable in vitro regeneration and genetic transformation systems is likely to play a crucial role in future production systems. This review highlights the application of biotechnological approaches, including in vitro propagation by direct and indirect organogenesis and meristem-tip culture. An area of major interest is the exploitation of somatic embryogenesis for the mass propagation of poinsettia, offering major advantages to commercial growers compared to traditional propagation techniques. In vitro root formation and ex vitro acclimation are key parameters influencing the throughput of tissue culture-derived plants, while genetic transformation and protoplast-based technologies provide strategies for the future improvement of this important ornamental crop.