The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a tropical shrub native to Mexico, cultivated for its vibrant, colorful leaves, called bracts. While often treated as a temporary decoration, the display of bright color can last well beyond the holidays. With standard attention, the colorful bracts remain vivid for four to eight weeks, often into March or April. This plant is not an annual and can survive as a perennial houseplant for many years, even re-blooming annually, provided its specific environmental needs are met.
Maximizing the Display Period
Extending the period of peak color begins with selecting a healthy plant that has been correctly handled before purchase. Look for deep green foliage and vibrant bracts that show no signs of wilting or browning edges. Crucially, inspect the small, yellow-green flower buds, known as cyathia, located in the center of the bracts; these should be unopened or just beginning to open. A plant with fully open or fallen cyathia is already past its prime.
The plant’s tropical nature makes it extremely sensitive to cold, so protection during transport home is mandatory. Exposure to temperatures below 50°F, even briefly, can result in leaf drop and permanent damage. Once indoors, the plant requires bright, indirect sunlight, ideally six or more hours per day from a south, east, or west-facing window.
Maintaining a stable temperature range is important. The optimal range is 65°F to 75°F during the day, with slightly cooler temperatures at night. Keep poinsettias away from cold drafts from doors or windows and heat sources like radiators or furnace vents. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, ensuring the pot has drainage holes. Immediately empty any excess water from the saucer to prevent root rot.
Post-Holiday Care for Survival
Once the colorful bracts begin to fade or drop, usually in late winter or early spring, the plant enters a period of rest, and its care regimen must change to promote survival and new growth. Reduce watering frequency, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings to encourage a semi-dormant state. Avoid adding fertilizer during this rest period, as the plant’s metabolic demands are lower.
Around April, the plant should be pruned to stimulate new, bushy growth for the upcoming growing season. Cut back the stems to approximately six to eight inches in height, ensuring at least two to three leaves or dormant buds remain on each stem. This pruning helps prevent the plant from becoming leggy and spindly over the summer months.
In May, repot the poinsettia into a larger container using a fresh, well-draining potting mix. As new growth becomes visible, begin a consistent fertilization schedule, applying a balanced houseplant fertilizer every two to four weeks through the summer. If your climate permits, the plant can be moved outdoors to a location that receives bright morning sun and afternoon shade after the danger of frost has passed.
Forcing the Plant to Re-bloom
Successfully forcing a poinsettia to produce colorful bracts again requires carefully managing its light exposure, a process known as photoperiodism. As a “short-day” species, it requires long, uninterrupted nights to initiate flower and bract formation. This treatment must begin around the end of September or the first week of October to ensure color by the holiday season.
The plant must receive a minimum of 12 to 14 hours of complete, continuous darkness nightly. This period lasts for eight to ten weeks. During this time, any stray light, even a brief flash from a streetlamp, will interrupt the process and prevent bract coloration. A consistent dark period from about 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. is effective.
During the day, the poinsettia must be returned to a spot receiving bright, indirect sunlight for six to eight hours. Maintain proper temperature during this re-blooming phase, keeping night temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. Once the bracts begin to show color, typically in late November, the daily darkness treatment can be stopped, and the plant can be returned to its normal indoor display location.