The short answer: give your poinsettia bright, indirect light, keep it warm and away from drafts, and water only when the top of the soil feels dry. Most poinsettias that struggle are either too cold or too wet. Get those two things right and the plant will stay colourful well past the holidays.
Here is everything you need to know, from the day it arrives to the weeks after Christmas.
A little about poinsettias
Poinsettias come from Mexico, where they grow as tall shrubs. The bright red, pink or white "petals" are not petals at all. They are coloured leaves called bracts. The true flowers are the tiny yellow buds in the centre. When those small yellow buds start to drop, the plant is near the end of its display, which is why a fresh poinsettia has tight, unopened centres.
Because they come from a warm climate, poinsettias dislike cold. That matters a great deal in a Canadian December.
When your poinsettia arrives
- Bring it inside right away. Even a few minutes on a cold doorstep or in a cold car can damage the leaves. Cold damage often shows up a day or two later as drooping or dropped leaves.
- Unwrap it gently. Remove any outer cello or paper so the leaves can breathe.
- Check the drainage. If the pot sits inside decorative foil or a basket, make sure water cannot collect at the bottom. Standing water is the most common reason poinsettias fail.
- Give it a day to settle. A plant may drop a leaf or two after a move. That is normal.
Light
Place the plant where it gets plenty of bright, indirect light, such as near an east, west or south window with a sheer curtain. Avoid strong, direct afternoon sun through the glass, which can fade the bracts. A dim corner will not kill a poinsettia quickly, but the colour will last longer with good light.
Temperature and drafts
Poinsettias are happiest in normal room temperatures, roughly 18 to 22 degrees Celsius during the day and a little cooler at night. Keep them away from:
- front doors and entryways that let in winter air
- cold window glass, especially overnight
- heat registers, radiators, fireplaces and space heaters
- the top of the fridge or a television, which can be warm and dry
Sudden swings in temperature, hot or cold, cause leaves to yellow and fall.
Watering
Check the soil every couple of days by pressing a finger into the top layer. When it feels dry, water slowly until a little runs out the bottom, then empty the saucer, foil or basket liner after a few minutes. Do not water on a fixed schedule, and never let the pot sit in water. Wilting can mean too little water, but it can also mean the roots are too wet, so always feel the soil first.
Dry indoor winter air can shorten the display. Grouping plants together or placing the pot near, but not on, a tray of pebbles and water adds a little humidity.
Feeding
A poinsettia in bloom does not need fertilizer. If you plan to keep the plant after the holidays, you can begin a light, balanced houseplant fertilizer in spring once new growth appears.
Are poinsettias poisonous?
Poinsettias have a reputation for being highly toxic, but that is a myth. The milky sap can irritate skin, and eating the leaves may cause mild stomach upset in people and pets. It is still wise to keep the plant out of reach of curious cats, dogs and small children, and to wash your hands after pruning. If you are worried about a pet, call your veterinarian.
After the holidays
With good care, a poinsettia can keep its colour for weeks into the new year. Once the bracts start to fade, many people simply compost the plant. If you would like to keep it, cut the stems back by about a third in late winter or early spring, keep it in a sunny spot and water as needed. It will grow into a green leafy plant over the summer.
Getting a poinsettia to colour up again for the next Christmas takes patience. From about the start of October, the plant needs around 14 hours of complete darkness every night, for example in a closet or under a box, and bright light during the day, for roughly eight to ten weeks. Even a little light at night can stop the bracts from turning. It is a fun project, though most people start fresh with a new plant each year.
Common problems and what they mean
- Leaves dropping suddenly: usually cold, a draft, or a sudden change of place.
- Yellow lower leaves: often too much water or poor drainage.
- Wilting with dry soil: it needs water. Water thoroughly and it should recover.
- Wilting with wet soil: the roots are too wet. Let it drain and wait for the top of the soil to dry before watering again.
- Faded or pale bracts: too much direct sun, or the plant is simply near the end of its season.
Giving a poinsettia as a gift
A poinsettia is one of the easiest holiday gifts to give. It suits a host, a neighbour, a teacher, a client or the office reception desk, and it keeps looking festive far longer than most cut flowers. Our Decorated Red Poinsettia Basket sets a red poinsettia in a white-washed basket with pine cones, a touch of glitter and Christmas greens, in three decoration levels.
For more ideas, browse our Christmas flowers and gifts, our potted plants for something that lasts all year, or our gift baskets. Gift baskets are ordered at least a day ahead. Every order includes a free handwritten card for your holiday message, delivery is free on orders over $50, and our Mississauga studio is happy to help at 905-677-9999.