Poinsettias are one of the most beloved holiday plants, adding festive cheer to any home with their vibrant hues of red, pink, and white. Many just toss their poinsettias after the holiday season, but with a bit of extra care, these beautiful winter blooms can thrive year after year.
Connor Waters, Sales Manager at Milmont Greenhouses in Waynesboro, shares that maintaining a temperature between 65 and 70 degrees is key to keeping poinsettias healthy year-round.
“Poinsettias are very sensitive to the cold and will start to show damage if they are exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees,” he explains.
To help your poinsettia stay healthy and bloom well beyond the holidays, here are five more tips to consider:
Find the Right Spot
After the holidays, place your poinsettia in a sunny, draft-free area with indirect light. A bright spot near a window (but out of direct sunlight!) works best to keep it healthy.
Water Wisely
Water, only when the soil feels dry to the touch, is the number one tip for poinsettia care. Let any extra water drain away to prevent root rot, and avoid leaving the pot in standing water.
Repot and Feed
In the spring, repot your poinsettia with fresh potting soil to replenish its nutrients. Use a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to support growth during its growing season.
Give It A Trim
When the leaves begin to drop, don’t worry! This is part of the plant’s cycle. Trim it down to about five inches in late spring to early summer to encourage new, lush growth. This essectial care tip will help your plant to rebloom for the holidays. Remember to remove any fallen leaves from the soil.
Trigger New Blooms
Starting in September, encourage the blooming process by keeping your plant in complete darkness for 16 continuous hours each night. This will simulate shorter days and encourage vibrant bracts (those colorful leaves) to return just in time for the holidays!
Waters reminds us of the importance of uninterrupted darkness: “Even briefly turning on a light during the dark period can delay the colors. Your plant will still be healthy and green, but it won’t show the holiday colors you’re hoping for.”
Safe Poinsettia Care for Families with Children
Although poinsettias have a reputation for being toxic, they generally only cause mild symptoms if ingested. However, safety is always our number one priority, especially if you have curious little ones at home. Here are three simple steps you can take to safely enjoy this festive plant with your family in mind:
Keep Out of Reach: Place your poinsettias in areas where children can be easily supervised or keep them out of reach on a high shelf or hard-to-reach spot.
Wash Hands After Handling: The sap can cause mild irritation if swallowed, so remember to wash up after handling.
Use Stable Planters: Opt for stable pots that are less likely to tip over, keeping your plant thriving and pets and small children safe.
Caring for poinsettia plants together throughout the year offers a valuable learning experience for your children, teaching them patience, responsibility, and an understanding of seasonal changes. Plus, with these few simple safety tips, you can keep your little ones safe all while enjoying the beauty of your poinsettias year after year. Other garden guides for the holidays include our expert advice on live Christmas tree care.
AMANDA DANAHER is a busy mom of five who is passionate about bringing encouragement to other parents through writing. She focuses on freelancing for Virginia parent and family magazines where she can utilize her journalism degree and share her parenting experience.
