Poinsettias 101

Poinsettias are an iconic plant for the winter holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, poinsettias are on display. The red is the most tradtional, but they are now able to come in a range of colors: white, cream, yellow, salmon, pink, and variations thereof. The actual blooms are a small cluster of yellow flowers surrounded by the large vibrant floral bracts (which are the leaves).

While it is a common misconception, poinsettias are not dangerously toxic to either people or pets. At most, they may cause a tummy ache for cats or dogs who nibble and ingest some of the leaves.

Care

With the right care, you can keep your poinsettia healthy throughout the year. Provided with enough indirect sunlight, warmth, and water, it can thrive. Bonus - if you're able to follow a specific care regimen, the poinsettia may even rebloom for next year.

Light

Bright, filtered sunlight.
A sunny window where the poinsettia can get 6-8 hours of light each day is best.
​Avoid direct sunlight - it can burn the leaves.

Temperature

65F - 75F is the ideal temperature.
Slightly lower temperatures at night will not harm your poinsettia. Although cold drafts, being pressed against or touching a cold window, or a lack of adequate light, can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop.

Water

Poinsettias do not want to dry out. Water thouroughly them whenever the top of the soil feels dry to the touch, but do not let them sit in water.
Overwatering is the quickest way to kill a poinsettia! If you notice wilting leaves, that is usually the first sign of overwatering.

Fertilizer

Do NOT fertilize during the winter - their blooming period. If you plan to keep them year-round, you can fertilize at half strength in the spring when they are not growing. From then, you would fertilize every 2-3 weeks until the poinsettia re-establishes itself.

Different Types

As you can see, there are a bunch of different varieties of poinsettias - and this isn't even a comprehensive list! There must be at least 100 varieties with all the different leaf shapes and colors. How cute are the Christmas Mouse Red?!

Shop Our Poinsettias

Large Floor Poinsettia

Medium Poinsettia

Table Top Poinsettia

How to Rebloom a Poinsettia

Growing your poinsettia throughout the year and forcing it to rebloom next year is possible, but it will require a VERY specific care regime. Achieving a rebloom is a huge undertaking - don't be hard on yourself if it doesn't work this year. Try and try again!

December to Early Spring

1. Water your poinsettia as normal up until about April.
2. Slowly decrease your watering by allowing the soil to dry out between each watering. Watch for a shrivelling stem -  the poinsettia may be too stressed with the transition and beginning to die.
3. After about 2 weeks of this transition, move the poinsettia to a cool spot where the temperature is around 60F.

May

1. Cut the stems back to about 4 inches from the soil and repot into a larger container with new soil.
2. Water thoroughly and place in a brightly lit window. Keep the temperature around 65F to 75F.
3. Once again begin watering whenever the soil is dry to the touch. Watch for new growth!
4. After you see new growth, begin fertilizing every 2 weeks with a 20-20-20 fertilizer.

Summer

1. Move your poinsettia outdoors in a shady spot. Continue your watering and fertilizing schedule. Be mindful of the weather throughout the summer. On days where the temperatures will be over 80F, you will want to bring the poinsettia inside and keep near a bright window.
2. In July, pinch back each stem about 1 inch to encourage a nice, full shrub. If you don't pinch them back, the poinsettia will get tall and leggy.
3. In mid-August, you should see that the stems have shaped into a nice puffy shape. Pinch or cut back the new stems, leaving 3-4 leaves on each.
4. Bring the poinsettia indoors and place near the brightest window.

October

1. Poinsettias need about 10 weeks where they get at least 12 hours of pure darkness each day. You will need to force these conditions to achieve rebloom during the Christmas season. Keep it in complete darkness for 12-15 hours. Block out ALL light - including artificial light. Some people put them in a closet, but if you are opening the door regularly, the exposure to excess light will affect the rebloom.
2. During the day, keep it in the bright window and continue your watering and fertilizing schedule.

November and December

1. Around Thanksgiving, stop the darkness treatment and allow the poinsettia to stay near the bright window. You should be able to see flower buds now.
2. Stop fertilizing in the 2nd week of December. Keep watering and begin treating it just the same as when you first brought it home.