The holidays are over, but that doesn't mean your beautiful poinsettia has to be tossed out! These festive plants (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are actually tender perennials native to Mexico, meaning they can live for years—and even rebloom next holiday season—with the right care. Many people assume poinsettias are one-season wonders, but with a few simple adjustments, yours can become a long-term houseplant or even grow into a small shrub.
Here's a step-by-step guide to post-Christmas poinsettia care, based on advice from university extensions and gardening experts.
Immediate Post-Holiday Care (January to March)
After the holidays, your poinsettia may start dropping its colorful bracts (the red, pink, or white "petals"—actually modified leaves). This is normal as the plant enters a rest period.
- Light: Place it in a bright spot with indirect sunlight, like near a south-, east-, or west-facing window. Aim for at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light daily.
- Watering: Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry. Always let excess water drain—never let the pot sit in standing water, as root rot is a common killer. Remove any decorative foil wrapper to improve drainage.
- Temperature: Keep it in a room between 65-70°F (18-21°C) during the day and no lower than 60°F (15°C) at night. Avoid drafts, heat vents, or cold windows.
- Fertilizing: Reduce or stop fertilizing during this rest phase.
By late winter or early spring, the bracts will likely fall off, leaving a green plant.
Spring Care (April to Summer)
As days lengthen, your poinsettia will start new growth.
- Prune stems back to 6-8 inches in mid-April to encourage bushy growth.
- Repot into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining potting soil if roots are crowded.
- Begin fertilizing every 2-4 weeks with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
- In late spring (after frost danger passes in your area), you can move it outdoors to a partially shaded spot for the summer.
Fall and Reblooming (September to December)
If you want those colorful bracts back for next Christmas, this is the tricky part—poinsettias are "short-day" plants that need long, uninterrupted nights to rebloom.
- Bring the plant indoors by mid-September.
- Starting early October, give it complete darkness for 14 hours each night (e.g., from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.). Put it in a dark closet or cover with a box—any light exposure (even from a streetlamp) can prevent coloring.
- During the day, provide bright light.
- Continue regular watering and fertilizing.
- By late November or early December, the bracts should start turning colorful again!
Common Tips and Troubleshooting
- Poinsettias are mildly toxic (sap can irritate skin or cause stomach upset if ingested), so keep away from pets and kids.
- Watch for pests like whiteflies; treat with insecticidal soap if needed.
- If it gets leggy, pinch back tips regularly.
With patience, your poinsettia can thrive for years. Many gardeners report success turning them into large, lush plants. If reblooming feels too challenging, enjoy it as a green foliage plant—it's still beautiful!
