How to Keep a Poinsettia Alive After Christmas

If your poinsettia is still alive on New Year’s Day, that’s because it’s a highly durable plant that can live quite a long time. Watering it regularly is the key. Since poinsettias are decorative plants, much like holiday ornaments, people forget to water them. With proper care, however, it is very likely that your poinsettia will continue to grow until the celebration of Christmas next year.

Step 1

Keep your poinsettia sufficiently watered. The soil should be moist at all times but not wet. The secret to growing poinsettias is to provide constant moisture for the roots. Do not allow the plants to sit in water, however. Position the plant away from drafts caused by opened doors or heating vents.

Step 2

Place the poinsettia outdoors when overnight temperatures average 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Keep your plant in indirect sunlight or filtered sun with partial shade. Fertilize the poinsettia every two or three weeks, using a liquid plant fertilizer.

Step 3

Cut the poinsettia back to about eight inches high in late March or early April. By the end of May you should see some vigorous new growth on the plant. Trim any dead leaves or petals on the poinsettia as necessary during the warmer months.

Step 4

Transplant the poinsettia into a larger pot. Use a potting mix for proper drainage or soil that is rich in organic matter. Prune the poinsettia in summer to keep the plant bushy and compact. Do not prune the poinsettia after Sept. 1.

Step 5

Bring the poinsettia back indoors so that you and your family can enjoy the beauty for another holiday season. Be sure to keep poinsettias away from cats or other household pets that may chew the leaves or petals. Poinsettias are highly toxic to these animals.


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