by Debra Frank

Created on: December 26, 2008   Last Updated: January 20, 2009

Did you know that Poinsettia plants are perennial plants? Yes, a Poinsettia can live and bloom for many years. With proper care, your special plant from the last holiday season can make a lovely foliage plant this summer and bloom again for Christmas next year.

Native to Mexico and Central America, the Poinsettia is a member of euphorbia family. When in bloom, the Poinsettia displays pink, white, or red bracts surrounding the tiny yellow flowers on top of each stem. The little yellow things are the flowers not the brightly colored bracts. For many years, the Poinsettia got a bum rap, being falsely labeled as poisonous. After much testing, its name has been cleared, although people that have latex allergies may also be sensitive to Poinsettias.

While in bloom poinsettias require at least six hours of bright, but indirect, sunlight in a room temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants are extremely sensitive to temperature changes, so keep them away from cold drafts or windows as well as hot radiators or appliances.

Poinsettias do like a humid environment but are easily over-watered. You may wish to mist your plant or place it in on an island of pebbles in a saucer filled half-way with water. Only water your blooming poinsettia when the soil feels dry to the touch. Never let it set in standing water! Do not leave it in the foil wrapper as this is perfect place for water to pool. There is no need to fertilize your plant while it is blooming.

Most varieties of Poinsettia flower into February or March. When your plant has finished flowering, gradually decrease watering. The colored bracts will fall off. When the bracts are off, place the plant in a cool dry place. Ideal temperature would be about 55 degrees Fahrenheit, so a basement would be a great resting spot. Don't worry about watering while its resting, this is a desert plant and used to drought periods.

In May, gradually start increasing the water supply to your Poinsettia. It's also time for new soil and fertilizing. It can be replanted in the same pot or a planter no more than a few inches larger. The soil mix should have a lot of organic matter such as sphagnum moss.

When the night time temperatures in your area remain above 50F, you can safely place your poinsettia outside in an area that receives plenty of indirect sunlight. If you wish, you can sink you planter directly in the garden soil for the summer.

In the beginning of August, it is time to trim your Poinsettia. The fewer stems you leave,

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