How to Care for Your Poinsettia Plant So It Lasts for More Than One Season

A beloved holiday plant, the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is known for its striking red leaves and small, compact yellow flowers that bring a festive touch to homes. While poinsettias are typically purchased annually, the perennial shrub can last for several years when cared for properly. 

The plant is relatively low maintenance but can be short-lived when not given an ideal environment for growth. But with the proper light, water, temperature, and soil, your poinsettias can thrive throughout the holiday season—and may even rebloom next year. 

How to Care for Poinsettias 

While poinsettias are generally easy to care for, they require some routine attention to ensure they last for more than a few weeks.

Light

Your poinsettia plant requires adequate light in order to survive the holiday season. It should be placed near a south, east, or west-facing window where it will receive at least six to eight hours of bright light daily, says Melinda Myers, gardening expert and host of the Great Courses How to Grow Anything DVD series. “Fold the edges of the foil wrapper (if present) down, allowing light to reach all parts of the plant,” she says. Do not place it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the edges. 

Soil

Poinsettias need a quality potting mix that retains moisture but is well-drained to avoid root rot. The holiday plant also prefers soil that is slightly acidic. 

Water

Water whenever the top inch of soil is dry, and the pot is lightweight. Don’t let the soil dry out completely. “Water thoroughly and pour off excess water,” says Myers. “Do not allow the plant to sit in water that collects in the saucer, foil, or decorative wrapper.”

Temperature

Temperature is important when caring for poinsettias. “Poinsettias prefer temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and slightly cooler at night,” says Kerri Zwack, senior grower at Longwood Gardens. “Avoid placing poinsettias where temperatures are inconsistent or below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They also do not do well in temperatures over 85 degrees Fahrenheit.”

Fertilizer

Poinsettias are heavy feeders when they’re growing. “Feed them with an all-purpose low rate of fertilizer at every watering throughout the growing season, from spring through early fall,” says Zwack. “Avoid getting fertilizer on the leaves since this can burn the leaves.” There’s no need to fertilize poinsettias during the holiday season. 

How to Overwinter Poinsettias

If you have poinsettias outdoors, remember that they are hardy in zones 10 to 11 and should be overwintered in areas where they're not hardy. “Bring indoors when temperatures threaten to drop below 50 degrees,” says Meyers. “Grow in a sunny window, keeping soil slightly moist as recommended above and following tips for reblooming if desired.”

How to Get Your Poinsettias to Rebloom

It’s possible to get your poinsettias to rebloom next year. “Starting at the end of September, give the plants 14 hours of uninterrupted dark each night and bright light during the day,” says Meyers. Shield the plants from all light sources, including street and reading lights. Cover the plants with a cardboard box or place them in a dark closet, if needed. Night temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit help promote flowering. 

Continue giving your poinsettias short days and long nights for seven to eight weeks. When the bracts begin to show color, you can stop and return caring for your poinsettias as you normally would during the holiday season. 

How to Prune Poinsettias

When grown as a houseplant, prune poinsettias back in late winter. “Prune it back to about 5 inches above the soil line to encourage more compact growth,” says Meyers. “Prune again in late May if needed to promote branching, by pruning off 2 to 3 inches from the tips of the branches.”

If you’re growing poinsettias outside, prune the plant back to 12 to 18 inches above the soil surface in early spring. “Continue pruning once a month through August if needed,” says Meyers. “Leave at least 4 leaves on each shoot, or just pinch out the growing tip of smaller and younger plants.”

Common Problems With Poinsettias 

Root Rot

If your poinsettia is suffering from root rot, its leaves will usually begin to wilt and turn yellow, and growth may become stunted. "Overly wet soil from too frequent waterings or when the plant is allowed to sit in excess water predisposes the plant to root rot," says Myers. Adjusting your watering schedule may help if root rot is caught early enough. If this doesn't work, try repotting your poinsettia plant with fresh sterile potting mix in a new container slightly larger than the remaining roots.

Powdery Mildew

White spots on leaves may be a sign your poinsettia has powdery mildew. Severe infestations can block sunlight, which may cause leaves to turn yellow and drop off the plant. "Make sure plants receive adequate light and have plenty of airflow around the plant," says Meyers. To treat powdery mildew, use fungicides labeled for controlling powdery mildew. "Test the product on a couple of leaves before treating the plant," she says.

Whiteflies

Whiteflies are the most common pest of poinsettias, says Myers. The small, white insects suck plant juices and secrete a clear sticky substance called honeydew. Avoid over-fertilization that results in lush growth, which makes your plants more susceptible to whiteflies and other insects and diseases. "Yellow sticky traps indoors only (birds can be stuck to these when used outdoors) will help monitor and manage, not eliminate, the population," says Myers. To avoid whiteflies altogether, inspect plants before purchasing.