Poinsettias are the undisputed stars of the holiday season, but let’s be honest: once those colorful bracts start to drop, most of them end up in the trash or the compost bin. It’s a shame, because with a little TLC, these plants can actually thrive on your patio or balcony all summer and make a comeback next year!
Giving Your Poinsettia a Summer Vacation
Once the threat of frost has passed—usually by late May—your poinsettia is ready for some fresh air. Just keep an eye on the thermometer; these guys are tropical at heart and really don’t like it when nighttime temps dip below 40-45°F. Before moving it outside, give your plant a good trim and snip off any remaining colored leaves. To avoid shock, let it get used to the outdoor air for just a few hours a day at first.
Finding the Perfect Spot on the Balcony
To keep your poinsettia happy outdoors, you’ll want to find a “Goldilocks” spot that meets these needs:
- Lots of bright, indirect light
- A bit of morning sun is fine, but avoid harsh, direct afternoon sun during the heat of summer
- Some partial shade to cool off
- Plenty of warmth
- Protection from drafty wind
- A roof or overhang (heavy rain can easily beat down those delicate leaves)
- Soil that stays moist but never soggy
How to Care for Your Poinsettia Outdoors
I recommend keeping your poinsettia in its pot rather than planting it in the ground. This makes it way easier to move if the weather gets crazy. On a balcony, go ahead and ditch the saucer under the pot so rainwater can drain freely—standing water is the fastest way to kill a poinsettia. If the weather is dry, only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Use room-temperature water (rainwater is a bonus if you have it!). If you’re expecting a week of heavy rain, move the plant to a sheltered corner to prevent root rot.
Every three to four weeks, feed your plant with a liquid fertilizer that’s high in potassium. If you want to get those leaves to turn red again, you’ll need to start a “blackout” routine by November. This means the plant needs 12 hours of total darkness every day—you can achieve this by popping a thick paper bag over it. Since it’ll be getting chilly by then, make sure to bring your poinsettia back inside to a cozy spot in the house!
