How to Care for a Poinsettia After Christmas So It Lasts All Year

Poinsettias have become a Christmas staple, renowned for their striking red and green foliage that adds a touch of festive spirit to any space. While they often steal the show during Christmas, many people struggle to keep this charming plant thriving once the celebrations wrap up. Fortunately, with the proper care and attention, you can extend your poinsettia's life and enjoy its beauty well into the New Year and beyond. Ahead, experts share straightforward tips to help you keep your poinsettia vibrant throughout the winter months.

Move It to a Bright Spot

Poinsettias require bright light to thrive beyond the holiday season. "After the holidays, we tend to leave our poinsettias where they sat during December, often in a dim corner or on a side table," says Rachael Kemery, founder of Rising Iris Farm. However, these plants flourish in bright light. "A spot near a window with soft, natural light can really help it hold onto its leaves," says Kemery.  

While plenty of light is essential, Kemery emphasizes that you should avoid placing your plant in direct afternoon sunlight, particularly if it has been in low light for an extended period. Instead, aim for bright, indirect sunlight during the day to help prolong your plant's vibrant lifespan.

Practice Mindful Watering

Proper watering will help your poinsettia thrive well past Christmas. Kemery says to water when the top inch of soil is dry and to let the pot drain completely so the roots don't sit in water for too long. Removing the foil the plant was sold in will improve drainage, he adds. One of the most telltale signs a poinsettia has been overwatered is leaf drop. In this case, let the plant dry out thoroughly and continue to water mindfully.

If you’re concerned about overwatering your poinsettia, consider using the bottom watering technique. "This trick helps people who tend to be heavy-handed with the watering can," Kemery says. To bottom water, set the pot in a shallow tray of water for about 15 minutes and let the soil soak up the water from below. "That way, the roots get what they need without flooding the top of the soil," she says. You can set a timer to ensure you don’t forget to take the plant out of the water.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Intentional placement is key to helping your poinsettia thrive. "They’re fussy about temperature swings," says Kemery. If the plant is sitting near a heat vent or next to a window that gets chilly at night, it might start losing leaves. Instead, she says to find a cozy spot that doesn't get too hot or cold. A steady temperature range of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for the longevity of your plant.

Stop Fertilizing

Fertilizing your poinsettia promotes healthy, vibrant growth, but there are times when it's best to avoid adding nutrients. "The plant is mostly resting after the holidays," says Kemery, and advises it’s best to stop fertilizing until it starts growing again. "Once you see new growth, which usually looks like a few fresh leaves popping up, you can start using a regular houseplant fertilizer once or twice a month," she says.

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Practice Proper Pruning

Pruning your poinsettia is essential to promote a fuller appearance and prevent it from becoming leggy or overgrown. When growing poinsettias as houseplants, it’s best to cut them back by about 5 to 6 inches above the soil line in late winter, as this encourages more compact growth. As with any plant you're caring for, remove dead or dying leaves regularly to promote healthy growth.

Plant it Outdoors (In Certain Climates)

In USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10, you can plant your poinsettia outdoors, allowing it to root and flourish. Select a location that offers well-draining soil and at least six hours of morning sunlight. To help the plant adapt to its new environment, begin by taking it outside for one hour each day and gradually increase the time spent outdoors. Wait until nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and all danger of frost has passed before you plant.

Mistakes to Avoid

If you want your poinsettia to thrive after Christmas, be mindful of how you care for it. Both too much care and neglect can lead to issues. Here are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure your festive plant remains healthy.

Letting It Dry Out

One of the biggest mistakes people make when caring for poinsettias is letting them dry out. "Soil pulling away from the sides of the pot, dry soil, and shriveling leaves are signs that the poinsettia is too dry," says Emily Scott, founder of Scott Farm in Maine. If you see these signs, it's best to bottom feed to ensure the roots receive ample hydration.

Wetting the Leaves or Bracts

When caring for your poinsettia, avoid wetting the leaves or colorful bracts during watering. Moisture on these parts of the plant can lead to issues like powdery mildew or leaf spots. If you're not using the bottom watering method, it’s best to use a watering can and apply water directly at the soil level. This technique helps keep the leaves dry, ultimately promoting healthier growth for your plant.

Neglecting Humidity

Poinsettias are tropical plants that require proper humidity to thrive. During winter, the warm indoor air can become quite dry due to heating. In arid conditions, a poinsettia may wilt, develop brown leaves, dry out, and eventually die.

To prevent this, place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot is not sitting directly in the water but is resting on the pebbles. This setup will help create humidity. Alternatively, you can use a humidifier in the same room as your poinsettia. For optimal conditions, the festive plant thrives in humidity levels of 50 percent to 75 percent. You can purchase an at-home humidity gauge to ensure your environment is in the right range.