How to Care for Poinsettia Plants
Poinsettias are iconic holiday plants known for their vibrant red, pink, or white bracts that brighten homes during the festive season. With proper care, these beauties can last well beyond the holidays and even rebloom the following year. Here’s how to keep your poinsettias healthy and thriving.
➡ Choosing the Right Poinsettia
Select a plant with dark green leaves and brightly colored bracts. Avoid any with yellowing leaves or signs of wilting. Look for plants with tightly clustered, small yellow flowers at the center of the bracts — this indicates freshness.
➡ Light and Temperature
Poinsettias thrive in bright, indirect light. Place them near a window where they can receive at least six hours of light daily. Keep them in a room with temperatures between 65-75°F. Avoid cold drafts, heaters, and direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
➡ Watering Your Poinsettia
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Use room-temperature water and water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot. Ensure the plant isn’t sitting in standing water to prevent root rot.
➡ Humidity and Airflow
Poinsettias appreciate moderate humidity. If your home is dry, consider placing a humidifier nearby or setting the pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles. Good airflow around the plant helps prevent mold and pests.
➡ Fertilizing Poinsettias
Feed your poinsettia every two to three weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring through early fall). Skip fertilizing during winter dormancy.
➡ After the Holidays
To keep your poinsettia alive after the holidays, continue regular care. In early spring, cut the plant back to about 6 inches tall and repot if needed. Move it outdoors once temperatures remain above 60°F. Bring it back indoors in the fall to prepare for holiday blooms.
➡ Poinsettia Blooming Tips
To encourage blooming, poinsettias need 14 hours of darkness each night for 6-8 weeks beginning in early October. Cover them with a dark cloth or place them in a dark room every evening to mimic this cycle.
Tips:
Keep poinsettias out of reach of pets, as they can cause mild irritation if ingested.
Dust the leaves occasionally to keep them looking fresh.
Rotate the plant weekly for even growth and balanced light exposure.
