Tips for buying and caring for your favorite Christmas poinsettia

IDAHO FALLS – Poinsettias are an essential part of the holiday season, brightening homes with their bright colors and festive charm.

These popular plants are native to Mexico and have become synonymous with Christmas decorations and celebrations.

Although poinsettias are relatively easy to care for, proper care is key to keeping them healthy and beautiful all season long. Whether you’re buying a fresh poinsettia or want to keep your plant thriving long after the holidays, understanding the basics of light, temperature, watering and fertilizing can make all the difference. With the right care, you can enjoy your poinsettia for weeks and even get it to bloom again next year.

Tips for buying a poinsettia

The most important step in caring for a poinsettia begins with selecting a healthy plant. The colorful parts of a poinsettia that many mistake for flowers are actually bracts – modified leaves. The true flowers are small and yellow and are located in the center of the bracts. When choosing a plant, look for dark green leaves, fully colored bracts and a few open yellow flowers. Avoid plants that are already in protective covers or displayed in crowded spaces, as these can stress the plant. Also, stay away from wilted poinsettias, even if the soil feels moist. Once you have chosen your plant, protect it from cold winds with a cover during transport. Once you get home, carefully remove the covering to avoid damaging the plant.

Care for your poinsettia indoors

Poinsettias thrive in bright, indirect light for at least five hours a day – windows that face south, east or west are therefore ideal locations. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can burn the bracts. Providing the right amount of light will help keep the plant healthy and vibrant throughout the season. Ideal temperatures are between 60 and 70°F during the day, with cooler temperatures at night. Keep the plant away from drafts, vents and chimneys as fluctuating temperatures can cause the leaves to drop.

Only water the plant when the soil feels dry. Be sure to water thoroughly so the roots are moist. However, avoid leaving the plant in water to prevent root rot. To ensure proper drainage, remove excess decorative film or plastic from the bottom of the pot or make small holes in the film to allow water to drain.

Extend the life of your poinsettia

To extend the life of your poinsettia, it is important to provide a stable environment with consistent temperatures and humidity. Poinsettias thrive in wetter conditions, which helps keep the plant healthy. Avoid fertilizing until the flowers have faded, usually from late winter through the summer months. Once the blooms have disappeared, you can begin fertilizing once a month with a balanced fertilizer to encourage vigorous growth throughout the growing season.

Get your poinsettia blooming again for next year

In May, cut your poinsettia back to about 3 to 4 inches above the soil surface and repot it in fresh potting soil. For additional nutrients, you can mix in a slow-release fertilizer such as Osmocote or ProPeat. After the last frost, move your poinsettia to a shady location and gradually expose it to more sunlight. Light plays a crucial role in promoting rebloom. Starting in late September, the plant requires eight to ten weeks (about two and a half months) of uninterrupted darkness to trigger flowering. During this time, reduce exposure to light at night and ensure the plant receives bright, natural light during the day.

By following these simple but effective care guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty of your poinsettia throughout the holiday season and beyond. Choosing a healthy plant, providing the right light, temperature and water, and ensuring proper drainage are all crucial steps in keeping your poinsettia vibrant. With a little extra care and attention, you can extend their lifespan well into the new year and even get them blooming again for the next holiday season.

Whether you’re a first-time poinsettia owner or a seasoned gardener, these tips will help you get the most out of this festive plant and keep it thriving for months to come.