Caring for Your Poinsettia
Before you tuck your new poinsettia into a corner or on top of the fridge and forget about it until you move it to the garbage can, read below!
1. Place your new poinsettia in a bright spot, away from cold and hot drafts. (We’ve probably all witnessed the 100% leaf drop that can occur when they catch a scent of cold air).
2. Water your poinsettia regularly. Allow the top couple of inches of soil to dry out, then water again!
Unlike common practice, poinsettias do not thrive off of neglect and wishful thinking. With proper care, poinsettias can last well into January or February. You can even transplant your poinsettia, and use as a patio plant in the summer, then attempt to get it to re-flower the following year.
Additional Information added:
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) Care Guide
At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Colour | Red, pink, white, yellow, or marbled bracts (modified leaves) |
| Bloom Time | November–January |
| Light | Bright, indirect light |
| Water | Keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy |
| Temperature | 18–22°C (65–72°F), avoid cold drafts |
| Humidity | Prefers moderate humidity |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic to pets & people (sap can irritate skin) |
Light
- Bright, indirect light is ideal.
- Too little light = faded bracts and dropped leaves.
- Keep near a sunny east or south-facing window, but out of direct hot sun.
Watering
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Water thoroughly, allowing excess to drain out the bottom.
- Never let the pot sit in water — remove foil wraps or punch holes if needed.
- Avoid overwatering, which is the #1 killer of poinsettias.
Temperature & Humidity
- Keep in stable temperatures: 18–22°C (65–72°F).
- Avoid drafts, heaters, fireplaces, and cold windowpanes.
- Poinsettias hate sudden temperature changes.
- Provide moderate humidity (group plants, use a pebble tray, or lightly mist).
Fertilizing
Do not fertilize while in bloom (Nov–Jan).
If you keep your plant after the holidays:
- Start fertilizing monthly in late winter or early spring with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
After the Holidays: Can You Keep It Alive?
Yes! Poinsettias can live for years — and even re-bloom — with the right care.
Post-Bloom Steps:
- February–March: Once bracts fade, prune plant back to 4–6 inches tall.
- Spring–Summer: Place outdoors when nights stay above 10°C (50°F). Water and fertilize regularly.
- Late Summer: Prune again to keep it bushy. Bring indoors before frost.
How to Get It to Rebloom
Poinsettias need a special light/dark treatment to rebloom.
Starting October 1:
- Provide 14–16 hours of total darkness every night (e.g., place in a closet or cover with a box from 5 PM to 8 AM).
- Give it bright light during the day.
- Keep this routine for 8–10 weeks.
- Coloured bracts should appear by late November.
Once colour returns, place the plant back in a bright window and resume normal care!
Bonus Tips for Success
- Don’t expose to temperatures below 10°C (50°F), even briefly during transport.
- If dropping leaves: check for drafts, cold temps, or root rot.
- For potted plants in foil wraps, poke drainage holes or remove the wrap after watering.