5 Tips for Keeping Poinsettias Looking Colorful as Long as Possible

Like the essential evergreen tree, poinsettias are a Christmas tradition. But their beauty doesn't have to end after unwrapping gifts and taking down the tree. Poinsettias thrive year-round in Mexico where these tropical plants are native. Enjoy your poinsettia into the New Year with these tips for keeping plants lush and thriving for as long as possible.

How Long Does a Poinsettia Live?

A well-cared-for poinsettia will have a bushy appearance and colorful foliage for at least 6 weeks. Poinsettias’ colorful leaves are just that—leaves. The plant’s flowers are actually just the small button-like green or yellow structures in the middle. Decreasing amounts of daylight spur the leaves to change from green to shades of red and white in late fall.

It's common for poinsettias to thrive into February and beyond, but their once colorful leaves will be replaced by all green leaves as the days lengthen. Grown as a green, leafy houseplant, poinsettias can be cared for indoors or outdoors over summer, and with a little work can even be spurred to produce colorful foliage again.

Much like any houseplant, poinsettias do best when indoor conditions mimic their native environment. Poinsettias grow well in moderate indoor temperatures, but the dry air associated with winter heating takes a toll, causing plants to drop lower leaves in time. Use these tips for providing the ideal conditions for long-lasting poinsettias.

1. Start with a healthy plant.

When selecting a poinsettia at the garden center or supermarket, be choosey. Bypass plants with damaged leaves or weak stems. Steer clear of those that have bare lower stems and those with dry potting soil. Poinsettias don’t bounce back from stress well and the languishing plant at the garden center is likely to continue declining when you bring it home.

Look for a plant that is full and lush. A healthy plant has leaves from the top of the stem to the soil level. The leaves should be on their way to vibrant coloration if they are not already colored. Look at the yellow-green button-like flowers in the center of the leaf clusters. Optimally, the flowers are tightly closed and little or no pollen is visible.  

2. Protect poinsettias on the way home.

Blasts of cold air during the trip home can stress poinsettias causing them to drop leaves. Shield your plant from drafts by covering it with a paper or plastic plant sleeve. It's often easiest to remove the plant sleeve by cutting it off with a pair of scissors. If a plant sleeve isn’t available, a grocery bag or other covering can provide protection.

3. Provide ample light.

Poinsettias grow best when they receive bright, indirect light. Light flowing in an east, south, or west-facing window will be ideal for a poinsettia. Position the plant so it does not receive direct sunlight which can burn the tender leaves. If a poinsettia begins growing toward the light, rotate the plant a quarter turn to encourage strong, upright growth.

If you'd like to display a poinsettia in a room that doesn't get a ton of natural light, supplement with a high-quality grow light.

4. Water when soil feels dry.

The most common reason for poinsettia decline is poor watering. Too much water or too little water will cause plants to drop leaves and take on a bedraggled appearance.

Water a poinsettia when the top of the soil just becomes dry. Check the plant every few days as it will dry out quickly in forced air heating. Remove the foil pot cover, if the plant has one, and water the plant in the sink, thoroughly drenching the soil. Allow excess water to freely drain away. Never allow a poinsettia to stand in water; waterlogged soil will quickly deplete the roots of oxygen, and the plant will wilt.

5. Avoid drafts and temperature swings.

A shot of cold air from an open door or repeated hot air flowing from a nearby radiator are significant poinsettia stressors. Place your plant where it can enjoy a consistent moderate temperature. Poinsettias grow best when the thermostat is set between 60 and 70°F.