Poinsettia Care Guide: Keep Your Holiday Poinsettias Thriving Through Christmas and Beyond
Poinsettias are to Christmas what turkeys are to Thanksgiving. Known for their vibrant reds, pinks, and whites, these holiday plants instantly brighten up any room. However, despite their festive appeal, poinsettias can be finicky. Our experts at the Garden Center and Greenhouse at Copper Creek are here to share tips and tricks to help keep your poinsettia thriving through the holidays and even into next year.
What Makes Poinsettias Special?
Poinsettias are the ultimate holiday plant, adored for their bright, bold colors. Though we often see poinsettias in rich red hues, they’re available in shades of pink, white, cream, and even speckled varieties. Native to Mexico, poinsettias were brought to the U.S. in the early 1800s by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, who introduced this festive plant to American homes.
Choosing the Perfect Light and Location for Your Poinsettia
Poinsettias thrive best in bright, indirect light. Place them near a window with several hours of natural sunlight, but avoid direct exposure, as this can cause colors to fade. Keep them away from drafts, heat sources, and cold windows, as temperature fluctuations can lead to leaf drop.
Ideal Temperature for Poinsettia Plants
Poinsettias prefer a stable indoor temperature between 60–70°F (15–21°C) during the day. At night, they can tolerate cooler temperatures, but be sure it stays above 50°F (10°C). Avoid placing your poinsettia near doors that frequently open to the cold.
How to Water Poinsettias Properly
Watering is key to a healthy poinsettia. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry using lukewarm water. Allow it to drain well, as poinsettias are prone to root rot if water is left sitting in the saucer. Don’t let the plant dry out completely, as this can cause wilting and leaf drop.
Managing Humidity for Happy Poinsettias
Poinsettias thrive in moderate humidity levels. Dry indoor air, common in winter, can make leaves dry out and become crispy. If needed, use a humidity tray or lightly mist the plant to keep it looking fresh.
Fertilizing Poinsettias: When and How
During the blooming season (December–January), poinsettias don’t need much feeding. However, if you’d like to keep them as houseplants year-round, fertilize them every 4–6 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once they stop blooming. Avoid fertilizing during their bloom phase.
How to Rebloom a Poinsettia After the Holidays
To keep your poinsettia for next Christmas, follow these steps to encourage reblooming:
In spring, trim the plant to about 6 inches and repot if needed.
In early fall, give it 14 hours of complete darkness each night (place it in a dark closet or cover with a box) and bright light during the day for 8–10 weeks.
Once it shows color again, resume normal care and keep it in a bright, indirect light spot during the day.
Fun Facts About Poinsettias
The “flowers” of poinsettias are actually bracts or modified leaves; the true flowers are the small yellow buds at the center.
Poinsettias are mildly toxic to pets if ingested. Though not deadly, they may cause mild stomach upset, so keep them out of reach of pets.
Visit Copper Creek Garden Center for Holiday Poinsettias
Add a touch of festive cheer with a poinsettia this holiday season! With a bit of attention, these beautiful plants can last well beyond Christmas. Explore our wide variety of poinsettias at the Copper Creek Garden Center and pick out the perfect one to light up your home.