How Long Poinsettias Really Last—and How You Can Maximize Their Lifespan These beautiful blooms can thrive even after the holiday season. In This Article View All In This Article How Long Do Poinsettias Last? When to Buy Poinsettia How to Care for Poinsettias Close Credit: Getty Images Key Points Poinsettias can last for years if you care for them correctly.When purchasing a poinsettia, select one with a fresh cyathia—these will last the longest.Keep poinsettias out of the cold, and provide them with indirect light. Make sure not to overwater them. Poinsettias are beloved holiday decorations—their beautiful colors are the perfect cure to the winter doldrums. However, while they're often considered seasonal, poinsettias can thrive well beyond the holidays. If you provide the right care, they can even live for several years—so think twice before kicking yours to the curb in January. How long do poinsettias typically last, and how can you help them live a long, healthy life? We spoke to gardening experts and got the full scoop. Rebecca Siemonsma, director of InBlume, a member of the National Garden Bureau Wendy Overbeck Dunham, director of horticulture at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Amy McCord, flower and gardening expert, and founder of Flower Moxie The Best Time to Buy a Poinsettia So It Lasts Through the Holidays How Long Do Poinsettias Last? Poinsettias can live for longer than you think. Poinsettias typically stay colorful for six to eight weeks, so they'll last the entire holiday season when properly cared for. They don't have to be one-season wonders, and can last long after the holiday season—although they won't look vibrant all throughout the year. “The real flowers are the tiny yellow structures in the center," says Wendy Overbeck Dunham, the director of horticulture at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. "Because those bracts need very specific light conditions to color up, they won’t stay bright year-round." In short? "With sufficient light and proper moisture management, they can last for months, or even years,” says Rebecca Siemonsma, the director of InBlume. When to Buy Poinsettia There’s no straightforward answer. It’s not really about a date on the calendar, but rather choosing a plant that has abundant and fresh cyathia (the yellow flower in the center of the red bracts). “If the cyathia are fresh, the plant should last four to six weeks with minimal care,” says Siemonsma. If you’re unsure of how the yellow flowers should look, simply buy your poinsettia in late November or early December. This will ensure the plant’s color through the new year, says Amy McCord, founder of Flower Moxie. Don't Miss How Often to Water Poinsettia So It Thrives Beyond Christmas The Best Time to Plant Paperwhites for Beautiful Blooms By Christmas How to Care for Poinsettias Credit: Getty Images Your poinsettias can last for months or years, yes—but only if you provide the right care. Follow these instructions for thriving plants. Temperature The key to poinsettia longevity is keeping them away from cold drafts and temperature swings, even on the drive home. “Exposing them to chilled air will shock the plant,” says McCord. Poinsettias are extremely sensitive to cold. “Many people go wrong by decorating their porch with poinsettias, like they do pumpkins in the fall. However, the nighttime air chills them and quickly kills them.” Light Give them bright, indirect light. “They don’t need direct sun, but they do need enough daylight to maintain their color,” says McCord. Low light often leads to leaf drop and fading. Water Water poinsettias consistently, but never let them sit in excess water. Overwatering is just as harmful as underwatering, says McCord. Let the plant’s top inch of soil dry out, then water thoroughly, and drain any excess. Allow about 10 percent of the water to run through the bottom of the container, and water only when the pot feels light when lifted, says Siemonsma. Explore more: Garden Houseplants