Poinsettias are the undisputed stars of the holiday season. Whether they’re rocking classic red, soft pink, or snowy white bracts, they instantly make a room feel festive. But here’s the sad truth: once the holidays wrap up and those colorful leaves start to drop, most people toss them in the trash. But wait! You don’t have to do that.
Your Poinsettia Can Live for Years
Believe it or not, these plants are actually perennials. With a little TLC, you can keep yours growing for years and even get it to bloom again right on schedule for next Christmas. Around late January or early February, your poinsettia is going to need a little “spa day” to rejuvenate. Here’s your game plan:
- Snip off any faded flowers.
- Prune the stems back to about 8 inches (20 cm).
- Give it a new home by repotting it.
- Pick a slightly larger pot than the current one.
- Add a layer of expanded clay pebbles at the bottom for drainage.
- Use a high-quality potting soil.
- Give it a good drink of water, but hold off on the fertilizer for now.
Taking Your Poinsettia Outdoors
Once you’ve pruned and repotted your plant, keep it in its usual indoor spot until the weather warms up. As soon as the threat of night frost has passed and daytime temperatures are comfortably in the double digits (Celsius), your poinsettia can move out to the balcony or patio. Just like indoors, though, location is everything.
During the spring and summer, it needs a bright, warm spot that’s protected from the wind. You’ll want to shield it from harsh, direct midday sun and heavy rain. As a rule of thumb, water it whenever the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch, and feed it with fertilizer every two weeks.
Keeping It Indoors for the Summer
No garden or balcony? No problem! You can totally keep your poinsettia inside all summer long. Just make sure its spot meets the criteria: warm, bright (but no direct scorching sun), and away from chilly drafts. Since the plant goes into a bit of a resting phase during the summer months, it’s fine with a slightly cooler room (like a bedroom or hallway) and will need a bit less water.
When Summer Fades
As soon as those crisp autumn temperatures arrive, it’s time to bring your poinsettia back inside to its original spot. Now, if you want those gorgeous colors to return, you have to play a little trick on the plant. For about six to eight weeks, it needs a strict 12-hour darkness cycle. You can move it to a pitch-black room every evening or simply pop a cardboard box over it. The key is total darkness—not even a sliver of light should get through!
