How to Care for Poinsettias: Keep Them Beautiful Through the Holidays

Poinsettias now come in a dazzling range of colors and patterns beyond traditional red, white, and pink. With a little attention, they'll stay vibrant all season.

Essential Care

• Protect from cold: Wrap well when transporting. Even brief chilling causes leaf drop.
• Light: 6 hours of bright, indirect light daily.
• Temperature: Day 60–70°F, night 55–65°F. No drafts, no heat vents.
• Water: When soil surface feels dry, water thoroughly. Drain excess. Don't let sit in water.

To Rebloom or Not?

Most treat poinsettias as holiday annuals. Reblooming is possible but demanding: from late September to Thanksgiving, the plant needs 13 hours of uninterrupted darkness every night (e.g., in a closet), then bright light by day. Many find it easier to buy new plants each year—greenhouse-grown specimens are superior. Visit a local greenhouse in early December for a memorable outing among thousands of blooming plants.

Poinsettia Safety

Poinsettias are not poisonous. The myth stems from a 1919 Hawaii incident; research at Ohio State University in the 1970s confirmed they're non-toxic. However, keep them away from small children and pets as a precaution. Note: mistletoe and holly are toxic.