by Denise Calaman

Created on: October 11, 2010

Many people recognize the poinsettia plant (Euphorbia pulcherima) as the red Christmas flower that graces alters, shopping malls and homes during the Christmas season.  But few people realize that these flowers ironically, don’t tolerate the cold weather that makes them so popular.  

Poinsettias are actually native to Mexico and Central America.  They thrive in tropical climates and will not tolerate cold weather.  Poinsettias are no doubt popular during the Christmas season because that’s when they are in bloom.  They are photoperiodic plants, or plants that set buds and produce flowers in the autumn as the nights lengthen. 

This can make the poinsettia plant a little difficult to care for if a flower lover wants to try and keep his poinsettia plant well after the New Year.  But while the plant has a difficult reputation it’s not impossible to care for a poinsettia plant if you are a diligent caretaker.  And it can be rewarding to see your poinsettia plant re-bloom year after year.

Caring for your poinsettia plant begins as soon as you bring it home.  Sit your poinsettia in a sunny, south facing window in a room where temperatures stay between 65-75 degrees.   Poinsettias like a consistent, warm temperature.  Any wild fluctuations in temperature will promote leaf drop.  Water your poinsettia only when its soil is dry.  Do not overwater as this will also cause leaf drop.  Continue caring for your poinsettia like this throughout the entire winter.

In early spring wean your poinsettia plant from watering.  Gradually decrease the amount you water your plant for two to three weeks.  Once it’s adjusted to its new watering schedule move your plant to a dark closet, heated basement or heated garage where the temperature doesn’t fall below 60 degrees. 

In late spring cut stems to about 4 inches above the soil line.  Repot in a larger pot and water well.  Place your poinsettia in a sunny, south facing window again, where temperatures stay between 65-75 degrees. Water your poinsettia when it is dry.  Fertilize your poinsettia heavily every two weeks during this time. 

In summer your poinsettia plant can be placed outdoors when nighttime temperatures stay above 65 degrees.  During this time you may want to keep your poinsettia plant pinched back to encourage a bushier plant.  Continue fertilizing your poinsettia throughout

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