How to Keep A Poinsettia Alive For Years & Turn It Red Again
Every year, millions of poinsettias are purchased during the holiday season, but most end up discarded by New Year’s Day. With a little care, you can keep your poinsettia healthy and vibrant long after the holiday season is over. Here’s how to nurture your poinsettia so it can bloom beautifully again next Christmas.
Understanding Poinsettia ‘Blooms’
First, let’s clarify what we refer to as the “blooms” of the poinsettia. The vibrant red leaves are called bracts, which are specialized leaves, not actual flowers. The tiny yellow and red flowers sit in the center of these bracts. These showy bracts serve to attract pollinators to the plant, contributing to their popularity during the holidays.
After the holiday season, it’s normal for the bracts to drop. If you’ve kept your poinsettia alive until this point, don’t toss it! You can successfully care for it and encourage new growth.
Post-Holiday Poinsettia Care
- Watering:
After the holidays, water sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. However, don’t let the plant become so dry that it wilts. - Pruning:
At the end of April, prune your poinsettia back to about 6 inches tall to encourage new growth. This is also a good time to repot it into a larger container with well-draining soil. - Fertilizing:
After repotting, fertilize your poinsettia monthly with an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer. - Temperature and Light:
Poinsettias prefer temperatures between 60-70°F and should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F. Place your plant in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. - Humidity:
Poinsettias thrive in a humid environment. Use a pebble tray or mist the air around the plant (but avoid misting the leaves directly to prevent spotting). - Encouraging New Growth:
In mid to late summer, you should see new green growth. This is also the ideal time to propagate your poinsettia by taking cuttings from the new growth.
Forcing Poinsettias to Change Color
To enjoy vibrant red bracts by the next holiday season, follow these steps starting about eight weeks before you want your poinsettia to bloom (typically in September):
- Stop Fertilizing:
Cease fertilization to prepare the plant for dormancy. - Light Exposure:
To mimic the plant’s natural environment, the poinsettia needs longer nights and bright days.- Darkness: Keep the plant in complete darkness for 14 hours daily. Use a closet, pantry, or cover it with black trash bags or a cardboard box.
- Light: For the remaining 10 hours, place the poinsettia in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight.
- Temperature and Humidity:
Maintain slightly cooler temperatures around 60°F and provide adequate humidity. A small cool mist humidifier or a dish of water near the plant can help, but avoid misting the leaves. - Duration:
Continue this routine for about 4-5 weeks, until the bracts change color. Afterward, you can enjoy your poinsettia just as you did in the previous holiday season.
Final Thoughts
Caring for a poinsettia beyond the holiday season is a rewarding project that allows you to enjoy its beauty year after year. With a bit of effort, you can create a thriving plant that brings joy to your home each December. Plus, by taking cuttings in spring, you can propagate new poinsettias to share with friends and family! So, before you throw that poinsettia away, consider giving it a second chance. Happy gardening!
