For a holiday plant, Poinsettias are an odd choice for cold climate areas. Poinsettias require heat and are indigenous in Mexico where it’s sunny and humid. It’s really important to keep them inside in a place with no draft and lots of sun when they are in full bloom. Once the flowers fall off, move it to a cool, dark area until Spring and decrease watering so the poinsettia has a chance to dry out a little. Once summer hits, poinsettias can be moved outside (yes, they can last that long!).

Poinsettia Care Tips

1. While in full bloom, keep them inside during the winter and put them in a nice warm spot with no draft.
2. Water, water, water (while in bloom). If the air is dry they will needs lots of water. Poinsettias are meant to be in humid climates. Slow down watering practices once the flowers fall off
3. In the Spring, put it back into a sunny area and start watering it again.
4. Cut back the branches in the Spring
5. Once it starts getting warm you can put the poinsettia outside and continue to water well.
6. Once the nights start getting longer take it back inside.
7. September through November poinsettias need 12 hours of darkness and cooler temps at night. Put the poinsettia in a spot which will get plenty of sun during the day and no light overnight.

If leaves start falling off this may mean it is too dry or too warm. Make sure it’s kept in a draft-free zone and it’s watered often (but don’t drown it).

Poinsettias are a picky plant and are pretty hard to keep alive, so don’t feel like you have a ‘black thumb’ if you can’t keep them alive. If they do die there’s always next year to try again!