Poinsettia Plants: Festive Favourites

Oct 29, 2025

poinsettia plant

Caring for Poinsettia Plants: Tips & Year-Round Care

Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are beloved festive favourites — but many struggle to keep them thriving past Christmas. With the right care, you can enjoy their vivid bracts well beyond the holidays. This guide shares how to care for your poinsettia plant throughout the seasons, from lighting and watering to reblooming and troubleshooting.

Why Poinsettia Plants Are Popular At Christmas

Each year in the UK, over 2 million poinsettias are sold in time for the festive season, thanks to their striking red and green foliage. Their name comes from the Mexican term ‘Flor de la Noche Buena’ — “Flower of the Holy Night.” In its native habitat, it’s a wild shrub, but here it has become a holiday houseplant staple.

It is thought to have coined its name because it resembles the Star of Bethlehem. It is a popular Christmas flower that can be presented in a multitude of displays.

Learn more about poinsettia history.

Poinsettia Red in 13cm Red Ceramic Pot Gift

How To Care For Your Poinsettia So It Lasts All Year

Light & Placement

Poinsettias thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves, and don’t place them in drafty spots near doors or radiators. A north-or east-facing window (filtered light) is ideal.

Watering Cycles

Keep soil slightly moist but not soggy. Allow the top layer to dry before watering again. Overwatering or poor drainage leads to root rot. Use well-draining compost and ensure excess water can escape the pot.

Temperature and Humidity

Maintain indoor temperatures between 16-21 °C (60-70 °F). Avoid sudden temperature shifts — cold drafts or heat sources can trigger leaf drop. Moderate indoor humidity is beneficial.

Post-Holiday Maintenance & Reblooming

After the festive season, prune your poinsettia down to about 15 cm (6 in). Continue watering regularly and feed monthly during the growing season. To coax a rebloom, from early autumn provide 14–16 hours of uninterrupted darkness daily for 8–10 weeks (photoperiod method).

Common Issues and Solutions

Leaf Drop & Browning

Rapid temperature changes, drafts, or overwatering can cause leaves to drop. Keep conditions stable, and ensure the plant isn’t in a cold, exposed location.

Pests & Disease

Common pests include aphids, whiteflies and mealybugs. Inspect leaves regularly, especially underside, and treat infestations with appropriate organic or chemical methods. Remove affected leaves promptly.

Toxicity & Safety Notes

While often believed to be highly toxic, poinsettias are generally safe; ingestion may cause mild irritation. Still, keep them out of reach of pets and children as a precaution.

Give the Gift of a Healthy Poinsettia

Conclusion: Care, Patience, Reward

Poinsettias can be sensitive, but with consistent light, temperature, watering and a little patience, they’ll reward you with vibrant colour year after year. Treat them gently and enjoy this iconic festive plant long past the holiday season.

If Poinsettias aren’t to your tastes or you are looking for the ideal gift for someone special, then we have plenty of other houseplants that would be a perfect place to start! We offer gift wrapping on all our Christmas plant gifts. Check out our Outdoor Pots & Planters selection for this Christmas. Next day delivery is available. Shop now and pay later with Klarna.