Poinsettia: Keep It Beautiful Through the Holidays — and Beyond

Botanical Name: Euphorbia pulcherrima

The "flowers" are actually colorful leaf-like bracts (red, burgundy, white, peach, pink, marbled) surrounding tiny yellow true flowers. Bright light (no direct sun — fades color), no cold drafts (below 50°F/10°C causes leaf drop). Most are discarded after holidays, but with effort, you can rebloom for next Christmas.

How to Force Rebloom

1. Post-holiday: When leaves fall, water sparingly, no fertilizer.
2. Early April: Prune to 6-inch stems. Bright light, regular water, start fertilizing. Repot in fresh soil when new growth appears.
3. Early October–mid December: 14 hours complete darkness nightly (box/closet). Bright indirect light days. Uninterrupted darkness is critical.
4. Color shows: Resume normal care.

Quick Reference: Poinsettia Care

• Origin: Mexico
• Height: 6 in (15 cm) miniatures to 36 in (90 cm) floor plants
• Light: Bright indirect; direct sun fades bracts
• Water: Thorough, let top dry between. Remove decorative foil for drainage. Prone to root rot if soggy.
• Humidity: Average room humidity
• Temperature: 60–75°F (15–24°C)
• Soil: Any good potting mix
• Fertilizer: Not usually needed. If kept, high-phosphorus every 2 weeks diluted by half.
• Propagation: 3-inch stem tip cuttings spring/early summer. Milky sap stops if cut end placed in water first. Sap not poisonous but may irritate skin.