Do's and Dont's of Poinsettia Care

      DO place your plant in indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day. If direct sun can't be avoided, diffuse the light with a shade or sheer curtain.

      DO provide room temperatures between 68 - 70° F. Generally speaking, if you are comfortable, so is your poinsettia.

      DO water your plant when the soil feels dry to the touch.

      DO use a large, roomy shopping bag to protect your plant when transporting it.

      DO fertilize your plant AFTER THE BLOOMING SEASON with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.  

      DON'T place plants near cold drafts or excessive heat. Avoid placing plants near appliances, fireplaces or ventilating ducts.

      DON'T expose plants to temperatures below 50° F. Poinsettias are sensitive to cold, so avoid placing them outside during the winter months.

      DON'T over water your plant, or allow it to sit in standing water. Always remove a plant from any decorative container before watering, and allow the water to drain completely.

      DON'T expose your plant to chilling winds when transporting it.

      DON'T fertilize your plant when it is in bloom.

How to Care for Your Poinsettia

BOTANICAL NAME: Euphorbia pulcherrima

The Poinsettia is a native plant of Tropical America which produces brilliantly colored bract, three to six inches long, usually during the Christmas season. The actual flower of the poinsettia are small yellow clusters you see in the middle of the colorful bract.

For indoor care of these plants you should provide several hours of natural light near a window. Water the poinsettia sparingly, but do not let it completely dry out. Keep it in an area protected from strong drafts. Do not place plant near any sources of direct heat (radiator, furnace, fireplace, television, etc…). Plants generally prefer a somewhat cooler night temperature (55 – 65 F), and daytime temperatures near 70 – 75 F. Even if all of these conditions are met, leaf drop is still a common problem with poinsettias, and is usually caused by the changes in its environment. Dry air (low relative humidity) is often the major problem in this case.

Following these instructions should enable you to enjoy this Christmas flower long after the holiday season is over.