Plant Care
Here's an easy guide to keep your poinsettia healthy and colorful.
Poinsettia Care Guide
1. Light
Place your poinsettia in bright, indirect light.
A sunny window is great, but avoid harsh direct midday sun which can scorch the leaves.
2. Temperature
Ideal range: 65–75°F (18–24°C) during the day.
They dislike cold drafts and sudden temperature shifts.
Keep away from exterior doors, heaters, and fireplaces.
3. Watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Avoid letting it sit in water—good drainage is key.
Remove the decorative foil or poke holes in it so excess water can drain out.
Tip: Overwatering is the #1 cause of poinsettia problems.
4. Humidity
Poinsettias prefer moderate humidity.
If your house is very dry in winter, you can:
Use a humidifier nearby
Place the pot on a tray with pebbles and water (not touching the pot bottom)
5. Fertilizer
Don’t fertilize while it’s blooming (November–January).
If you keep it beyond the holidays, fertilize monthly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer starting in spring.
6. Keep it colorful longer
To help the red (or pink/white) bracts last:
Provide consistent light
Avoid cold drafts
Don’t let it dry out fully
Use gentle lighting rather than bright overhead hot lights
7. If you want to keep it for next year
You can rebloom a poinsettia, but it takes patience.
Spring–Summer:
In early spring, cut the plant back to about 6 inches.
Move it outdoors once temperatures stay above 60°F.
Fertilize monthly and pinch back stems to keep it bushy.
Fall (most important step):
Starting around late September/early October, give it 14–16 hours of complete darkness every night, with bright light during the day.
Do this daily for 8–10 weeks and the bracts should color up again.
8. Pet Safety Note
Poinsettias are not highly toxic, but they can cause mild stomach upset in pets if eaten. Keep them out of reach if you have curious pets.