The Secret to Long-Lasting Poinsettias (& Why They’re Worth the Effort)

'Tis the season for the stunning poinsettia plant to take its place as the star of holiday decor. The go-to bloom of Christmastime, poinsettias are hot sellers for about six weeks out of the year. That's surprising, knowing they're the number one potted plant sold in the U.S. While these beauties have a reputation for being a little finicky, good poinsettia care can keep your poinsettia lush well beyond the New Year. Read on to learn more.

What Is a Poinsettia?

The poinsettia, scientifically known as Euphorbia pulcherrima, is a plant native to the warm, tropical regions of Central America. Predominantly stemming from Mexico, their most eye-catching feature is the spectacular, colored leaves called bracts. You'll find poinsettia plants in a spectrum of colors from Christmas red to vibrant pink, yellow, or white.

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What Do Poinsettias Symbolize?

The Mexican people call them Flor de Nochebuena, meaning "Flower of the Holy Night" or "Christmas Eve Flower." The poinsettia has deep symbolism associated with its radiant leaves.

Pepita and Her Christmas Miracle

There are many legends behind the poinsettia meaning, which date back to the Mayan and Aztec cultures. One popular story recounts a young girl's visit to church on Christmas Eve. She forgot to bring an offering, so she picked some bright-colored weeds she found on the side of the road.

When she offered her gift at the altar, the weeds burst into the colorful cuetlaxochitl, or poinsettia, plant. The story serves as a potent reminder that any offering given with pure love is a perfect gift.

Poinsettias in the U.S.

The beautiful poinsettia plant made its way into the United States in the 19th Century, when Ambassador Joel Roberts Poinsett brought one home from Mexico to South Carolina. He grew offshoots in his greenhouses and gave them to friends and family as gifts. Now, they're a classic holiday tradition.

How to Pronounce Poinsettia

In American English, poinsettia pronunciation sounds like: poyn·seh·tee·uh.

How to Care for a Poinsettia

If you're wondering how to keep a poinsettia alive from season to season, there are five key factors:

1. Find the Right Location

Poinsettias don't like to be too hot or too cold. Cold air can kill the plant, and dry heat can cause the leaves to shrivel. Avoid placing them in these areas:

• Doorways
• Cold windows
• Vents
• Fireplaces
• Radiators

Instead, find a place on a table that's close enough to a window for the plant to enjoy some sun, but not so close that it touches the cold glass.

2. Provide Indirect Light

The poinsettia is native to a tropical environment, so while it loves a bit of bright sun, the light should be indirect. Put the poinsettia near a window facing east or west to expose it to morning and afternoon light, but not to the most intense midday sun.

Additionally, give the pot a quarter-inch turn every couple of days. This will keep it growing straight.

3. Choose the Correct Soil

Poinsettias are prone to root rot, so the soil and drainage system are critical. If you buy the plant already potted, chances are the soil is the right mix. If you aren't sure, dip your finger into it. The soil should feel light and airy, not densely packed.

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4. Water When Dry

Always check the soil before watering this plant. If it feels dry, give it a good soak. If you feel even the slightest damp, wait a few days and check again.

Also, watch for standing water under the plant. Often, poinsettias come in a decorative foil wrapper. Make sure to remove it or cut the bottom off it. Position a plate or cachepot under the plant to capture the moisture as water drains. Dump out water that gathers there to prevent root rot.

5. Fertilize Only After the Holiday Season

Fertilize for the first time after the flowering season ends, usually in May or June. Look for new green starting to grow as a sign that it is time. Don't fertilize if you still see the bright-colored leaves, typically throughout the holiday season.

Once the colorful leaves have fallen off, prune the plant to a height of four to six inches, then fertilize with a water-soluble product diluted to half-strength.

How Long Do Poinsettias Last?

Most poinsettia plants last four to six weeks. But by tending to them regularly, yours may last until the next holiday season. Focus on light, temperature, and watering to keep it healthy.

What Kills a Poinsettia Plant?

The following are common issues with poinsettias:

• Excessive watering can cause root rot.
• Underwatering leads to wilting leaves.
• Cold drafts will shock the plant, killing it quickly.
• Direct heat from vents, radiators, or fireplaces dries the leaves, causing them to shrivel.
• Direct sunlight from the midday sun will scorch the leaves.
• Fertilizing too early will burn the roots.
• Certain pests, such as spider mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies, can feed on the plant, killing the roots.

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Poinsettias & Pets

Did you know that poinsettias are not, in fact, deadly toxic to pets? That's a myth. However, eating them can make them sick. The sap may cause skin irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Keep your poinsettia plant out of the reach of pets, and call your vet for advice if your pet develops severe symptoms after ingestion.

The Takeaway

Although poinsettias are a staple of the holiday season, appropriate care can extend their lifespan for months, maybe even years. Just like mums, poinsettias require specialized care to keep them vibrant in the long term.

Want to learn more about mums? Check out How to Choose, Plant, & Care for Fall Mums.

Poinsettia FAQs

Why do the leaves on my poinsettia keep falling off?

Leaf dropping can occur for many reasons. Your plant may be in a location that has sudden temperature changes. You may also be watering it too much or too little. Try moving it and following the "only water when dry" rule.

When should I put my poinsettia in the dark?

To encourage your poinsettia plant to rebloom next season, place it in complete darkness every night for 8 to 10 weeks, starting around October 1. This will encourage new blooms just in time for the holidays.

How do I get my poinsettia to turn red?

In the fall, start putting your plant in complete darkness for 10 to 12 hours, then back into the sunlight. This stimulates a process called photoperiodism, which leads to bright-colored leaves.

How do I perk up my poinsettia?

If your poinsettia looks a little droopy, it needs water. This is true for most indoor plants. Check the soil with your finger. If it feels dry, give it a good soak. That should perk it right up.

Do you throw away poinsettias after Christmas?

You don't have to throw them away. Keep them until the leaves drop, then prune them back and fertilize. This can help keep the plant alive through the following year. Around October 1, start placing your poinsettia in the dark at night to stimulate reblooming for the next Christmas.