A beautiful plant that has become synonymous with the holiday season, poinsettias bloom in the winter and seen everywhere at Christmas time. After the new year, though, many of these plants are tossed in the trash because they are presumed dead or dying. But, it is possible to keep your poinsettia alive and healthy all year long and maybe even rebloom for the next holiday season. Just follow the detailed guide on poinsettia care by month that the experts at Kittelberger Florist put together for you here! Also, be sure to check out the helpful poinsettia care infographic at the end of this post.
Getting your poinsettia to flower again takes a bit of effort and there are no guarantees, but it’s definitely worth a shot!
Poinsettias are a classic holiday plant that bring cheer with their vibrant red, pink, or white bracts. While they’re ubiquitous in December, poinsettias don’t have to disappear as soon as the holidays are over. With proper care, these tropical beauties can thrive as houseplants all year long.
Follow this complete guide to keep your poinsettia going strong whether it’s the holidays or just another day. With the right growing conditions and a little attention, you can enjoy poinsettias in your home long after the decorations come down.
Choosing the Right Spot
Poinsettias thrive in the warm humid conditions of their tropical native region. Recreate similar conditions at home by placing them in bright, warm spots away from drafts:
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Bright, indirect light is ideal. East, west or south facing windows work well.
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Daytime temps between 65-75°F and 60-65°F at night are optimal
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Keep away from heat vents or drafty areas that can dry the plant out
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In summer, you can move poinsettias outdoors to a shady spot. Bring them in before temps drop below 50°F.
Proper lighting and temperatures are key to keeping poinsettias looking their best year-round. Monitor conditions and adjust as needed with season changes.
Watering Needs
Perhaps the most important factor in poinsettia care is proper watering. They need consistently moist (but not soggy) soil. Follow these tips:
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Check soil daily and water when the top inch becomes dry.
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Add enough water so it runs freely from the drainage holes.
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Dump out any water in the saucer so the plant isn’t sitting in it.
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Increase humidity by misting the leaves or using a pebble tray.
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Cut back on watering if leaves turn yellow (sign of overwatering).
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Watch for wilting, dropping leaves that indicate under-watering.
Get on a consistent watering schedule and modify as needed through the seasons. Poinsettias will let you know their needs!
Feeding for Optimal Growth
Fertilizing is key to keeping poinsettias thriving beyond the holidays. Feed them with a balanced, all-purpose plant food:
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Begin fertilizing after bloom period when you see new growth emerge.
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Use a 10-10-10 or similar fertilizer diluted to half strength.
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Apply according to label directions every 2-3 weeks during active growth.
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Discontinue feeding during colorful bloom period in winter.
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Resume fertilizing when blooms fade and new leaves appear.
Proper fertilization ensures poinsettias get nutrients they need all year. Just avoid overfeeding which can cause leggy, weak growth.
Pruning for a Fuller Plant
In the wild, poinsettias grow into large, sprawling shrubs. Pruning keeps houseplant poinsettias full and compact.
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In early spring, cut all stems back to 6 inches. This promotes bushy regrowth.
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In early summer, trim 2-3 inches off the tips of each stem.
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Always sterilize pruners between cuts to avoid spreading disease.
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Wear gloves and avoid sap contact, as it can irritate skin.
Timely pruning encourages the ideal poinsettia form for an attractive houseplant. Never prune late in the year, as this removes cold protection.
Repotting for Continued Health
Repot poinsettias each spring at the same time you prune:
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Choose a container one size larger than the current pot.
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Use a well-draining potting mix, not heavy garden soil.
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Gently loosen and remove the rootball from the old pot.
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Place in the new container and fill around roots with mix.
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Water well after repotting to settle the roots.
Repotting prevents the roots from becoming crowded and provides fresh growing mix.
Forcing Blooms
Getting poinsettias to change color again requires some trickery. Starting in fall, give them:
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Complete darkness for 14-16 hours every night.
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Bright light for 8-10 hours during the daytime.
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Continue this short day/long night treatment for 8-10 weeks.
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When color shows, resume normal lighting conditions.
This mimics the natural shift to shorter days that initiates flowering in poinsettias. Be diligent with the lighting regimen for the best color.
Troubleshooting Issues
Watch for these signs of stress and make the appropriate care adjustments:
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Dropping leaves – Usually from under or overwatering. Modify watering frequency.
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Yellow leaves – Overwatering. Allow soil to dry out more between waterings.
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Pale, small leaves – Insufficient light. Move to a brighter location.
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Leggy growth – Not enough pruning or too much fertilizer. Cut back and reduce feeding.
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Wilting – Can indicate underwatering, pests, or root rot from wet soil. Improve drainage.
Tips for Poinsettias All Year
Follow these best practices for healthy, thriving poinsettias 365 days a year:
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Provide bright, indirect light and warm temperatures.
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Water thoroughly when soil dries out, but don’t oversaturate it.
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Fertilize regularly with a balanced plant food during growth periods.
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Prune in spring and summer for compact, full plants.
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Repot annually in fresh, well-draining potting mix.
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Manipulate lighting to trigger blooms during the holidays.
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Address any signs of stress immediately by adjusting care.
With the right care, your holiday poinsettias can stay gorgeous long after the decorations come down. Just be diligent with their growing needs and you’ll be rewarded with these beauties all year long.
Choosing a Healthy Poinsettia
The first step to keeping your poinsettia thriving year-round is to make sure you’ve selected a healthy one from the get-go. When shopping for a poinsettia, look for these signs of a healthy plant:
- An overall robust and healthy appearance with no faded or dying leaves.
- The small flowers should be tightly closed with no signs of pollen
- Don’t choose a plant that is displayed near automatic doors that open and close frequently as bursts of cold air damages the plant
- Check the moisture level of the solid to make sure it’s not too soggy or too dry.
- Look under leaves for insects, eggs, or evidence of hungry pests. You do not want those in your home!
- When you’ve found the best plant, keep it warm and happy on the trip back to your home.
- Poinsettias love bright natural light, so find a sunny spot that receives at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight.
- Keep your plant away from cold drafts and heat from appliances. Also, make sure the leaves are not touching a chilly window pane.
- Water your poinsettia only when the topsoil feels dry to the touch. Allow the water to thoroughly drain out of the pot. Do not let the plant sit in standing water.
The Secret to Keeping Your Poinsettia Alive ALL YEAR
FAQ
How do you keep a poinsettia alive year round?
Poinsettias thrive in steady temperatures between 65 and 75°F, so keep them away from doorways or entrances where drafts might cause temperature fluctuations.Dec 10, 2024
How do you take care of poinsettias in the summer?
Many people are unaware but poinsettias are tropical plants. That being said, they love sunlight, just try to avoid too much direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist, but allow it to dry out at least on the surface before watering again. It is also normal for poinsettias to drop all of their leaves after blooming.
How do you take care of a poinsettia indoors?
- Indoor temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees F are ideal.
- Avoid placing poinsettias where the temperature fluctuates or may be drying, such as near cold drafts, heat ducts, fireplaces, fans, space heaters, etc.
- Poinsettias will suffer damage if they are exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees F.
How long will a potted poinsettia last?
How Long Do Poinsettias Last? If cared for properly, a potted poinsettia can last for two to three months in your home. However, some home gardeners with a particularly green thumb may enjoy the challenge of caring for a poinsettia long after Christmas in hopes of a second bloom next holiday.
How do you care for a poinsettia?
To care for a poinsettia year round, provide it with bright, indirect light and water when the soil feels dry to the touch. Additionally, maintain a temperature between 65°f to 75°f and fertilize once a month during the growing season. Prune the plant in early spring to encourage bushiness and prevent leggy growth. Credit: www.youtube.com
Can you grow poinsettias year-round?
With some know-how and care, it’s possible to turn poinsettias into year-round houseplants that brighten up homes well beyond the winter months. We’ll walk you through the ins and outs of growing poinsettias year round, from basic care tips to the secrets of getting them to rebloom.
How do you keep a poinsettia plant alive during the holiday season?
Once your poinsettia is safely home, find a spot where it can bask in plenty of light without receiving direct sunlight. Here are some key tips for how to keep a poinsettia plant alive during the holiday season: Avoid high-traffic areas: Prevent your poinsettia from being bumped or knocked over.
How often should you fertilize a poinsettia?
During the active growing season (spring through fall), fertilize your poinsettia every two weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Reduce fertilization in late fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows down. The right nutrients will lead to vibrant leaf growth and support the plant’s overall health.
How do you acclimate a poinsettia to outdoor life?
Now that the holidays have passed and you’ve sculpted your poinsettia into the desired shape, it’s time to cater to its light needs by acclimating it to outdoor life. This process is called hardening off. Avoid placing it in full sun immediately, as sudden exposure can scorch the remaining leaves, causing permanent damage to the plant.
When should you repot a poinsettia?
If there are dead flowers or bracts, you can pinch those off. It may be time to repot the plant to a container one size up. Use potting mix made for indoor flowering plants. Some time between May and July, your poinsettia may be ready for pruning. This part takes courage!