Enjoy the season's natural color for longer.
Poinsettias are pretty much the unofficial holiday plant. They’re bright, festive, and instantly make your space feel a little more cheerful. Plus, they make beautiful settings to complete your Christmas tablescape. But if you’ve ever brought one home and watched it start drooping way too soon, you're not the only one. Despite what you may think, poinsettias aren’t nearly as hard to keep up with as you think. All you have to do is sit them in the right spot and keep their soil moist, and you shouldn't have problem seeing them past the new year. If you've been wondering how to keep poinsettias alive all season, then here's your comprehensive guide. We're giving you all the information you need to select and care for your favorite holiday plant.
Meet the Expert
- Tammy Sons is the CEO and Founder of TN Nursery.
How To Shop For Christmas Poinsettias
You can buy a Christmas poinsettia at a local nursery or flower shop. As you start searching for the perfect plant, you want to ensure the one you select follows these guidelines for the healthiest blooms throughout the holidays:
- Make sure the leaves are a dense green, not yellow.
- Choose a plant with flowers that haven't yet blossomed or are just starting to bud.
- Check to make sure the plant is free from pests and diseases.
How To Care For Your Poinsettia At Home
Once you pick your poinsettia, the real challenge is caring for them once you step through your front door. Here's how to properly care for your poinsettia after you bring it home.
Sunlight
According to Sons, the placement of your poinsettia is crucial. She says they should be placed in a bright spot but out of the direct sunlight. Wherever you sit your holiday flower, make sure it's a location that offers them indirect sunlight for a minimum of six hours a day. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so make sure you keep an eye on your plant to change spots if you see sunlight hitting the flowers.
Temperature
Poinsettias like to be in environments with slightly higher humidity levels and temperature. Their ideal setting is between 65 degrees and 75 degrees, but away from all cold or hot drafts (so don't place them by a window, door, or vents!). "To maintain poinsettias throughout the entire season, they must be protected from cold drafts or sudden temperature changes, which will shock the plant more than one might think," Sons says.
Watering
One of the easiest ways to kill a poinsettia is by overwatering or underwatering it. Sons wants you to wait to water your poinsettias until the soil is dry to the touch. She says the healthiest way to keep your poinsettias hydrated without going below or beyond is to use a terra cotta pot with drainage and a saucer underneath, and to toss the extra water from the saucer so the roots can remain healthy.
Tips For Keeping Your Poinsettia Alive As Long As Possible
Overall, poinsettias are pretty easy to keep alive. The biggest trick to keep them vibrant throughout the holidays is to choose a plant at the right time so they bloom around Christmas time. But, if you want to see how long you can enjoy the sight of the warm red flowers, here are a few more tips to keep your poinsettia alive as long as possible.
- Don't be afraid to fertilize your plant, but wait until the holiday blooming season is over.
- Keep your poinsettia cozy by not fluctuating temperatures.
- Mist the plant with lukewarm water to increase humidity levels.
- Prune it during the spring, and have a 14-day "dark period" in October for new growth.
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