blog, Plant Care

How to Care for your Holiday Poinsettias

Poinsettia Care & Culture Sheet

(Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Few plants capture the spirit of the holidays like the poinsettia. With its bright red, pink, white, or even marbled bracts (modified leaves), this festive favorite brings warmth and color to indoor spaces throughout the winter months. Native to Mexico, poinsettias thrive in bright light and warm, draft-free conditions. With the right care, your poinsettia can stay vibrant well past the holidays—and even rebloom the following year.

Light

Poinsettias prefer bright, indirect light. Place them near a sunny window that receives at least 6 hours of filtered sunlight each day. Avoid direct, harsh rays that can scorch the leaves, as well as dim corners where color fades more quickly.

Soil

Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. Avoid compacted or heavy soils that hold too much moisture—good drainage is key to preventing root rot.

Water

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Remove decorative foil or punch drainage holes so excess water can escape. Always empty saucers after watering. Overwatering is a common cause of leaf drop and yellowing.

Fertilizer

Feed your poinsettia monthly during the growing season (spring through early fall) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20). Do not fertilize while the plant is in bloom over the winter.

Temperature & Humidity

Ideal temperature range: 65–75°F (18–24°C) during the day and 60°F (15°C) at night.
Avoid cold drafts, heaters, and sudden temperature changes. Poinsettias also appreciate moderate humidity—you can mist occasionally or place the pot on a pebble tray for added moisture.

Pruning & Reblooming

After the holidays, prune back the plant to about 6 inches in early spring to encourage new growth. Move outdoors once temperatures stay above 55°F (Zone 9–11 for outdoor growth; in cooler zones, treat as a houseplant). To encourage holiday color next year, provide complete darkness for 14 hours a day (from 5 PM to 8 AM) starting in late September for about 8–10 weeks, then return it to bright light during the day.

Pests & Problems

Watch for whiteflies, aphids, or spider mites on the undersides of leaves. Remove pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Leaf drop or fading color often results from temperature shock or overwatering.

Seasonal Care Tips

  • Winter: Keep indoors in bright light; avoid cold drafts.

  • Spring: Cut back stems, resume light feeding.

  • Summer: Move outdoors to a shaded patio; pinch back new growth to keep the plant compact.

  • Fall: Begin the darkness treatment to initiate blooming.

Friendly Tip:
Poinsettias are mildly toxic to pets if ingested, but not deadly—still, keep them out of reach of curious cats and dogs. Handle carefully, as the milky sap can irritate sensitive skin.

Michelle Harvey