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Poinsettia Care

As lights go up and the scent of evergreen fills the air, poinsettias take center stage as the flower of the holidays. From rich reds to soft pinks and snowy whites, these festive favorites add instant color and magic to the season. Let’s learn how to care for them all year long.

Choosing a Healthy Poinsettia

  • Avoid plants placed near store entrances where cold drafts are common.
  • Look for rich green foliage and fully colored bracts with little to no green showing.
  • Always cover your plant with a sleeve or bag before taking it outside to protect it from cold damage. (Don’t worry, we do that for you here at Esbenshade’s!)

Basic Poinsettia Care

  • Light: Bright, indirect light is best. Keep plants from touching cold window glass.
  • Temperature: Ideal range is 60–75°F. Avoid heat vents, radiators and cold drafts.
  • Watering: Water when the soil feels dry on the surface. Let excess water drain as poinsettias do not like soggy roots. 

Are Poinsettias Toxic?

Poinsettias are not poisonous, though eating large amounts may cause mild stomach upset to pets. They are safe to keep in homes and can even be composted. The plant’s sap can cause skin irritation for some people, so wash your hands after handling.

Holiday Care Indoors

  • Provide about 6 hours of bright light daily.
  • Keep away from fireplaces and forced heat.
  • Water thoroughly and discard excess water from saucers to prevent root rot.

Pruning in Spring

When bracts fade in late March or April, cut stems back to about 8".

Summer Care

  • Repot in early June into a slightly larger container.
  • Place in a sunny, sheltered outdoor spot or bright indoor location.
  • Fertilize regularly and pinch new growth in July and August for compact growth.
  • Bring indoors before cool fall nights arrive. Watch for whiteflies and treat with insecticidal soap if needed.

Reblooming for the Holidays

Starting in mid-to-late September, poinsettias need 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness nightly for 8-10 weeks. Cover with a box or place in a dark closet. Daytime light should still be bright. Once bracts begin to color, normal lighting can resume and your poinsettia will be ready for the holidays again!