Poinsettias are synonymous with the holiday season. It’s nearly impossible to walk into a store this time of year and not see a display of bright red, pink, or white bracts. (Bracts are the big, colorful leaves that look like petals). Whether you’re looking to add a pop of holiday color to your home or searching for the perfect hostess gift, poinsettias are a timeless choice.
However, keeping them fresh and vibrant throughout the holiday season can be a bit tricky.
Fear not! In this quick guide, we’ll walk you through picking out the perfect poinsettia, keeping it flourishing through the holidays, and even how to get it to bloom again next year. Let’s dive in!
Be Choosy About Choosing the Perfect Poinsettia
This is where it all starts. If you want a poinsettia to last, it’s important to know what to look for while you’re in the store.
Look for Healthy Bracts & Leaves
The colorful leaves are the star of the show. When choosing your poinsettia, make sure the bracts (the red, pink, or white parts) are vibrant, evenly colored, and unblemished. Avoid plants with spots, holes, or brown edges—these are signs of stress or poor care.
Likewise, look at the green leaves. Healthy poinsettias have dark green, full leaves all the way down to the soil. Avoid plants with yellowing or wilting leaves. Check the undersides, too—they should be free of pests like aphids or whiteflies.
Check the Flowers
Did you know the bracts aren’t actually petals? Rather, they are leaves surrounding the true flower. The tiny yellow buds at the center of the bracts are the actual flowers of a poinsettia. If those yellow buds are tight and not shedding pollen, the plant is fresh and will last longer. If the buds are open or shedding, it means the plant is already past its peak. Always look for buds that are tightly closed.
Stick Your Finger in the Soil
You want a plant with soil that’s slightly moist. If it’s completely dried out, the plant will likely drop its bracts. If the soil is soggy or excessively damp, you could be bringing fungus gnats into your home, or the plant could develop root rot.
Consider the Environment in the Store
Where are the poinsettias displayed in the store? Are they directly near a drafty entrance? If you live in a colder environment, skip these in favor of plants that have been set up further inside the store, away from the doors. Chilly breezes will cause poinsettias to drop their bracts much quicker.
Handle with Care
Photo Credit: Tracey Besemer
Poinsettias are sensitive to the cold and can easily get stressed during transportation. Make sure the plant is properly wrapped before you take it home, especially if it’s chilly outside. It’s always a good idea to bring a couple of pillowcases to put over the poinsettia in case the retailer where you purchase it doesn’t provide protective sleeves.
Keep your car warm and pick up your poinsettia just before heading home. Make sure you aren’t running other errands that would leave your poinsettia sitting inside a cold car for hours.
Caring for Your Poinsettias Through the Holidays
Photo Credit: Tracey Besemer
You’ve picked out a beautiful, healthy poinsettia—now what? With the right care, your plant can stay fresh and vibrant right into the New Year.
Light it Up (But Not Too Much)
Poinsettias love bright, indirect sunlight. Place your plant near a window, but make sure it’s directly in the sun, which can scorch the leaves. A spot with about six hours of bright, filtered light per day is ideal.
Water Wisely
Overwatering is the fastest way to kill your poinsettia. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry. (Stick your finger in the soil up to your first knuckle.) Never let the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
The best way to water poinsettias is to slip the nursery pot out of the decorative sleeve and set the plant in the shower or sink. Water the plant with tepid water and let it drain well. Then, put it back in the sleeve and back on display.
Mind the Temperature
Poinsettias are tropical plants and do best in moderate temperatures. Keep your plant in a spot where the temperature stays between 65-75°F. Avoid placing it near drafty windows and entryways or near heaters or fireplaces, as extreme temperature changes can stress the plant.
Photo Credit: Tracey Besemer
Fertilize Lightly
You don’t need to worry too much about feeding your poinsettia during the holiday season. However, if you plan to keep it past the holidays, a light dose of all-purpose houseplant fertilizer once a month can help keep it healthy.
Get Your Poinsettia to Bloom Again Next Year!
So many people toss their poinsettia once they ring in the New Year. But with a little effort, you can enjoy it year after year! Here’s how to get your poinsettia to bloom again next holiday season:
Prune It Back
Once the colorful bracts start to fade and fall off naturally, prune the plant back hard to about 6 inches in height. This usually happens in late winter or early spring (around March). This cutback helps encourage new growth.
Let It Rest
Poinsettias go dormant after blooming. During spring and early summer, keep your plant in a sunny spot and continue watering it when the soil feels dry. You can also fertilize monthly to support new growth and prepare for blooms. You can re-pot it in early summer into a slightly larger pot that’s sturdier than the nursery pot it came in. Be sure the new pot has a drainage hole.
Re-Blooming Time: The Dark Treatment
This is the trickiest part: In the fall (starting around late September), poinsettias need about 12-14 hours of complete darkness each night for 8-10 weeks to initiate the blooming process. You can achieve this by placing your plant in a dark closet or covering it with a black sheet. During the day, bring it back to a sunny spot. Be patient—this process is key for getting those bright, festive bracts to return.
By mid-November, you should begin to see new bracts forming. At this point, you can stop the dark treatment and display your poinsettia in a bright spot to enjoy for the holiday season.
So go ahead, bring home a poinsettia (or two or three!), and enjoy the festive cheer they bring during the holidays and beyond.
Leave a Reply