Poinsettia is a Christmas flower favorite: How to make it bloom for weeks

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), also known as the Christmas flower, is native to Mexico, but it was popularized by the American botanist Joel Roberts Poinsett, who began cultivating it. Since that time, growers have developed sizes ranging from miniature to large, tree-like forms.

The poinsettia’s true flowers are small and yellow, located at the top of the plant. Its striking look comes from the vividly colored upper leaves just below these blossoms.

Once, only bright red and white poinsettias were available, but now there is a wide range of colors. The upper leaves can be red, pink, white, or variegated, and may feature stripes, streaks, spots, or a marbled pattern. In autumn, even before the holiday season begins, the princettia variety is already on sale.

Tips for choosing a poinsettia

Pick a healthy, sturdy plant with firm leaves. The small yellow flower buds at the top indicate the flower is fresh.

A poinsettia cannot tolerate drafts or cold, so select one that hasn’t been placed right next to the store entrance.

Never carry an unpackaged poinsettia outdoors if the temperature is below +10 °C (50 °F). Wrap the plant in multiple layers of newspaper, then add wrapping paper or a thermal bag. Poinsettias are sensitive to cold and can drop their leaves within a few days if chilled.

A properly wrapped poinsettia can only be carried outside in freezing weather for about ten minutes. When you bring it back indoors, keep it in its packaging for another ten minutes so it can gradually adjust to the temperature change.

Poinsettia—how to care for it:

Place your poinsettia in the right spot

At home, keep your poinsettia in a bright, draft-free, and warm location.

Watering your poinsettia

Water with lukewarm water in small amounts but often. Allow the surface of the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot, which leads to yellowing and dropping leaves.

If your poinsettia becomes too dry and the leaves wilt, briefly submerge the pot in lukewarm water.

Fertilizing your poinsettia

During its blooming period, the poinsettia doesn’t need any fertilizer. However, feeding it regularly during other times can turn it into a thriving houseplant for years.

Caring for your poinsettia after Christmas

You can keep growing your poinsettia as an ordinary green plant after Christmas and even move it outdoors in the summer. Fertilize it every couple of weeks in the summertime.

Getting your poinsettia to bloom again

Getting your poinsettia to rebloom at home can be challenging, but it’s worth a try. The key is limiting its light for 6–8 weeks in the fall, since it forms flowers under short-day conditions. For example, you can try covering the plant with a box or a black bag from about 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.