Poinsettia Care Instructions

Once this lovely genera makes it way to retail shelves, we know that Christmas is close. What’s next though? What is needed for it to remain healthy long after Santa has returned to the North Pole?

After receiving your Poinsettia, place it indoors in a place with lots of bright, indirect light, however, make sure to select an area where the temperature won’t fluctuate. Poinsettias are sensitive to temperature changes.  This plant prefers humid conditions, but its roots prefer to dry out in between waterings so the soil is dry to the touch. Misting this plant regularly will make it very happy, but note if you have hard water it can leave spots on the foliage. When watering, place a saucer (plant tray) under your plant and pour the water into it; letting it uptake water through the roots.

What many consider flowers are actually colored (white, pink, red) leaf bracts. The flowers are the yellow clusters in the center of the bracts.

Poinsettias are part of the Euphorbia family. Many believe that these plants are poisonous, but it is actually the white sap that causes an allergic reaction. If you are allergic to latex, it is important to use gloves when handling these plants. If a reaction occurs, contact your doctor immediately. Same is true if your pets eat the foliage, they are toxic considering how much is ingested and the age of the animal – so it is best to contact your vet and discuss what has happened. However, the foliage is not considered poisonous and should only result in irritation.

It’s possible to keep your poinsettia from year to year, but sometimes it is not worth all the trouble. To force your poinsettia into bloom, place it in total darkness for 14 hours starting in late September or early October and do this for a total of 10 weeks. The short daylight will trigger the plant to go into bloom. Make sure to bring your plant out and place in bright, indirect sunlight for 10 hours. Once it has flowered, decrease the amount of water causing the plant to drop its foliage. Once leaves have dropped; place in a garage or basement where the temperature is 50 degrees. When temps start to increase (late May) repot and water like directed above. Fertilizing will be extremely important. Using 15-0-15, 20-10-20 or organic compost is ideal. In August, prune your plant back by 2/3 – make sure to do this prior to September to color up the bracts prior to Christmas. Remember when pruning if you have sensitive skin to wear gloves.