How to Care for a Poinsettia Flower

A field of poinsettia flowers native to Southern Mexico

Originally a December-blooming plant that grew in Mexico, the poinsettia made its way into the American Christmas tradition due to its large, red, leaf-like flowers (called bracts) and green complementary leaves. Poinsettias are commonly sold in small, single-plant pots that can be used singly or in pyramids and large groups. These plants are used to the arid Mexican climate, and need special care when if you bring them indoors during the holidays.

Things You'll Need

• Pot Drainage tray Potting soil

Instructions

1. 

   Pot the poinsettia plant in a pot with good drainage holes on the bottom. Use quality potting soil. Water the plant until excess water runs through the drainage hole into the tray. Allow a few minutes for the water to finish draining, then dump the water out of the tray.

2. 

   Touch the soil each day to check its aridity. If it feels dry on your fingers, add some more water and remove the excess water. Only water the soil when it is dry. As you care for the plant, avoid touching the red bracts more than is necessary. They may be damaged easily.

3. 

   Place the potted poinsettias near abundant sunlight in sunrooms or next to large windows. Aim for a window that gives the plant at least 6 hours of light each day. Keep the temperature of the room between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If your home is usually warmer than this in the winter, keep the poinsettias in the coolest rooms in the house. Avoid placing poinsettias anywhere that is below 60 degrees.

4. Expect your poinsettias to keep healthy, bright red bracts as late as March or April. When then flower stops blooming, keep it healthy through spring and summer by maintaining the same water schedule. When it is not in bloom, fertilize with a houseplant fertilizer. Place the poinsettia plants in indirect sunlight outside, as long as the temperature is above 60 degrees.

5. To make sure the plant flowers in time for next Christmas, manipulate the plant's light schedule to simulate a shorter winter day. Beginning in early October, move the plants to dark areas between early evening (5 p.m.) and morning (8 a.m.). Maintain this schedule until Thanksgiving. Fertilize the plant until it blooms near Christmas.

Tips & Warnings

• If you purchased a foil-wrapped plant, poke holes in the bottom of the foil to allow drainage without re-potting.

• Poinsettias are poisonous to most animals, including cats and dogs. Place the plants where your pets and small children cannot reach and ingest them. To avoid root rot, do not let the soil stay wet. Under-watering causes the poinsettia plant to lose it leaves too early. Keep the poinsettia bracts bright red by keeping the room temperature below 70 degrees.