Every year in the span of about six weeks, Americans (some with green thumbs, many without) buy roughly 30 million poinsettias, enough for about one in four U.S. households to have a plant of their own.
That means there are a lot of people thinking about poinsettia care after a week or two and wondering, “Is it supposed to look like that?”
So you don’t have to worry about your poinsettia taking a turn for the worse, our houseplant and horticulture experts have pulled together simple, science-backed tips you can use to keep your poinsettia looking fantastic through the holidays and beyond.
Think of this as your poinsettia survival guide!
Quick Tips
How to care for poinsettias: Answers to 5 key questions
It’s not hard to keep poinsettias alive, but it does require being aware of some of their basic needs.
1. How do you pick a healthy poinsettia?
This is where it all starts! Picking a healthy plant is a great way to up your odds of having a poinsettia that looks great by the time you’ve got company.
For best results, look for plants with deep, dark green foliage and full, undamaged colored leaves, which are also called bracts. Plants with tightly-closed flowers that have not yet shed pollen will last the longest.
2. How often should you water a poinsettia?
Poinsettias do best in moderately moist soil, so it’s important to water the plant thoroughly whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
There’s no set rule on how often to water a poinsettia, as it can vary based on the type of pot you have, the temperature in your home, and the material it’s planted in.
However, there are some best practices you should follow when watering:
- Make sure water flows out of the drainage holes at the bottom of your pot
- Plants in clay pots need more frequent watering, while those in plastic pots are prone to overwatering
- If the container is wrapped in foil, remove it before watering or create a drainage hole in the foil
- Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water and if you’re using a drainage tray, always discard any water that collects in it
3. How much light do poinsettias need?
Poinsettias are happiest in indirect natural light, requiring at least six hours of daily exposure. If avoiding direct sunlight isn’t possible, use a shade or sheer curtain to diffuse the light.
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4. What do you do when poinsettia leaves turn yellow?
Yellowing leaves can indicate several things, including over- and under-watering and potential root rot, especially if the lower leaves begin to yellow and drop.
If leaves start to yellow, carefully monitor that you’re properly watering. If root rot is confirmed, consider using an all-purpose fungicide, which is typically available at garden centers.
Example of yellowing poinsettia leaves
Poinsettia – Why the yellow leaves? Difference of 1.5 weeks
byu/Rememburn inplantclinic
5. What temperatures are best for poinsettias?
To maintain their vibrant color, keep poinsettias away from high-traffic areas, cold drafts, and excessive heat. The ideal temperature range is 67-70°F during the day and 60-62°F at night.
Importantly, don’t let temps drop below 55°F, which is the threshold where poinsettias essentially stop growing.
Other poinsettia FAQs
Do poinsettias need fertilizer?
A poinsettia does not require fertilizer while it is in bloom.
However, if you want to keep your plant alive and healthy beyond the holidays, apply a balanced all-purpose houseplant fertilizer once per month to maintain green foliage and promote new growth. Always follow the directions on the fertilizer label.
Are poinsettias toxic to cats and dogs?
Poinsettia plants are not dangerous to household pets unless the leaves and bracts are eaten in very large quantities. However, they can cause stomach upset and are considered mildly toxic to both cats and dogs so it’s best to keep them out of reach of your pets.
Do I need to worry about poinsettia sap?
Because poinsettias are in the Euphorbia genus, they will all ooze a milky latex sap when leaves or branches are broken.
The sap can be irritating to eyes and skin – especially to those with a latex allergy. Avoid touching your eyes and mouth after handling plants and wash your hands thoroughly.
How do I get rid of insects on poinsettias?
It will be uncommon for you to encounter any insects on your poinsettia while you have it in your home over the holidays. However, this could become a challenge if you decide to keep a poinsettia as a long-term houseplant.
If you find insects, they can be removed by gently washing the plant with mild soap and water using a sponge or a gentle spray. For more persistent pests, such as mealybugs and whiteflies, you may need to take additional measures.
How long can poinsettias live for?
When properly cared for, poinsettias can keep their color until mid-March and be enjoyed year-after-year, growing in size and reblooming around the holidays.
Want to know more about how to keep poinsettias thriving? Check out our resource on Selecting and Planting Poinsettias