Poinsettias are light-loving plants that need lots of indirect exposure to remain viable.
Most average-sized plants will need about ¾ cup (180 mL) of water every 1-2 days. Be careful not to overwater your poinsettia. Soggy soil can lead to root rot and other complications that can easily kill the plant. [3] X Research source Make sure that the pot has holes on the bottom for drainage. If it doesn’t, get a different pot or drill holes into the bottom.
Your poinsettia may look like little more than a bare stick by the time you’re finished pruning. This is completely normal. The colorful foliage will return once the plant emerges from dormancy in the spring.
Trimming the stems will also help stimulate new growth in plants that are still healthy. [6] X Research source Add rotten stems and foliage to your compost pile to convert it into organic material that you can use to treat your poinsettia once it starts growing again. If the stems are diseased or carry pests, however, throw them away in the garbage and not the compost pile.
Situate your plant away from any doors or windows that you open frequently. Poinsettias don’t hold up well under a draft. [8] X Research source Do not place poinsettias near heaters, radiators, or vents. Avoid raising or lowering the thermostat too dramatically when temperatures outside fluctuate.
You can also use a natural organic material like garden compost or worm castings to fertilize your poinsettia. [10] X Research source The best time to apply fertilizer is soon after watering, while the soil is still moist. Fertilizing poinsettias in dry soil could damage the roots. [11] X Research source Plan on reapplying fertilizer about once a month while the plant is in its most active stages of growth.
Introduce your poinsettia to outdoor conditions gradually. It’s usually best to start with a few hours in the early morning, then increase its exposure by an hour or two every day until it’s able to withstand an entire afternoon. Look for a spot in your garden with plenty of morning sun but more shade in the afternoon. It may be necessary to water your poinsettia more frequently if it’s been spending a lot of time in the hot sun. Drooping, wilting, or wrinkled leaves may be a sign that your plant has been outside too long. [13] X Research source
If you’d prefer to hold off on doing the bulk of your pruning, you can wait until around midsummer when the poinsettia has reached its full size. [15] X Research source
Consider tucking your poinsettia away in a closet or basement after covering it. Even the faintest ambient light can be enough to prevent it from blooming on time. [17] X Research source Poinsettias are photoperiod plants, which means the amount of foliage they produce is determined by the number of hours a day they spend without light.
Any well-balanced potting soil mix should work just fine for filling the new container. [19] X Research source Continue watering and fertilizing your poinsettia as usual once you’ve transplanted it successfully.
Keep in mind that organic pesticides typically have to be reapplied more frequently than chemical products due to their gentler ingredients. If you don’t like the idea of treating your plant with pesticides, try mixing up your own homemade solution by combining an all-natural liquid soap with warm water in a spray bottle and using it to blast bugs whenever they pop up. [21] X Research source
It may be alright to leave your poinsettia outdoors throughout the fall and winter if you live in a region with a particularly warm climate. The temperature should be above 50 °F (10 °C) at all times. The important thing is to protect it from frost and prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures.
