how to care for poinsettias

That first glimpse of a vibrant poinsettia truly signals the arrival of the holiday season. With their brilliant red, white, or pink bracts (which are actually specialized leaves, not flowers!), they bring a cheerful splash of color to any room. But bringing one home can sometimes feel daunting. Will it last until Christmas? Can you keep it alive for next year? With a few simple secrets, you can enjoy its beauty for months to come.

The Ultimate Guide on How to Care for Poinsettias

The key to a happy poinsettia starts the moment you choose it. Look for a plant with fully colored, tightly clustered bracts and dark green foliage all the way to the soil line. Avoid plants with drooping leaves or that are sitting in a drafty store entrance. Once home, your plant’s success hinges on getting a few basics right.

Finding the Perfect Spot for Your Plant

Poinsettias thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near a sunny window is ideal, but avoid hot, direct sun which can fade the bracts. They are tropical natives and despise the cold, so keep them away from drafty windows, doors, and heating vents. Consistent temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit are perfect. Sudden temperature drops can cause their leaves to fall.

Mastering the Art of Watering

This is where many poinsettia parents go wrong. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Check your plant daily by feeling the top of the soil. When it feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water. Water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot, then let the pot drain completely. Never let your poinsettia sit in standing water, as this will quickly lead to root rot.

Encouraging Color for Next Year

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try to re-bloom your poinsettia for the next holiday season. After the holidays, continue caring for it. In spring, prune it back and repot it. The real secret to color is providing long, uninterrupted periods of darkness each night (about 14 hours) starting in early October. This mimics their natural light cycle and encourages the bracts to change color again.

By providing the right light, temperature, and water, your poinsettia can be more than just a temporary decoration. It can be a beautiful, living part of your home throughout the holiday season and beyond.