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How to look after poinsettias
Find our how to care for your poinsettias and how to keep them alive beyond Christmas in our handy guide
Ceri studied horticulture at the University of Reading and RHS Wisley. She edits Which? Gardening magazine and our online gardening content.
For many people, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a poinsettia. The traditional red varieties are the most popular, but if you fancy something a bit different, you’ll also find peach, pink, lemon and cream plants as well as ones with white- or gold-splashed leaves.
The ‘flowers’ are actually coloured leaves known as bracts and they last for several months. It’s a complicated process to encourage the plant to produce them so we recommend buying a fresh plant each year. Be careful when handling your plant as the milky sap is an irritant.
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How often should I water my poinsettia?
You should water your poinsettia plant around once a week or when the compost feels dry to the touch. Water the poinsettia from the top of the pot, allowing the surface of the compost to become dry before the next application. But if the leaves start to wilt, water thoroughly with tepid water.
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Where is the best place to put a poinsettia?
Poinsettias don't like the fluctuating temperatures so be sure to place them in a well lit area away from radiators or possible cold drafts. To extend the flowering and keep the leaves in tip-top condition, place the pots on a pebble tray, mist the leaves and feed regularly. Put your plants in the brightest possible winter light to maintain the 'petal' (bract) colour at its best. If your plant’s leaves start turning yellow, it means its environment is either too hot, dry or dark, or a mix of all three.
Why do the leaves fall off my poinsettia?'
Poinsettias will quickly drop their leaves if exposed to cold. Never buy a plant that has been on sale outdoors, and avoid exposing it to draughts in the house. When you buy your plant make sure it's well-wrapped to avoid it being exposed to the cold on your way home.
How to stop poinsettias wilting
Poinsettias wilt when they get too hot and dry. They do best at a draught-free 15-21°C and should keep flowering for 12 weeks.
Can you keep poinsettias alive all year?
You can keep poinsettias for several years, but they tend to get scruffy over time and getting them to produce more colourful bracts the following winter is a complicated process involving strictly regulating the amount of light the plant is exposed to. We recommend buying a fresh plant each year.