Each year, hundreds of thousands of poinsettias brighten our homes as festive gifts, bringing a bold splash of red to winter. Many people see them as short-lived holiday decorations, but these plants are actually quite tough. With the right care, you can keep them looking beautiful for months after Christmas. Many people think poinsettias are naturally small, but in Mexico, where they come from, they grow as large shrubs along the forest edge and can reach up to ten feet tall. The smaller, bushier plants we buy are specially treated with a growth retardant to fit nicely on our windowsills and tables.

To help your poinsettia thrive, remember that it comes from the tropics. These plants are sensitive to their surroundings and do best in steady, warm, and slightly damp conditions. Sudden changes in temperature can quickly harm them. They do not like cold drafts from doors, heat from radiators, or strong sunlight through a window at midday. The best place for your poinsettia is somewhere with a steady temperature, away from cold nights and dry air.

Watering is the final piece of the puzzle, and it requires a specific technique. Poinsettias enjoy a thorough drink, but they cannot tolerate “wet feet” or waterlogged soil. Rather than giving them small, frequent sips, wait until the surface of the compost feels dry to the touch. When it is time to hydrate, place the entire pot in a sink filled with water. Allow it to soak deeply for about ten minutes, ensuring the root ball is saturated. Crucially, let all the excess water drain away completely. This simple soak-and-dry routine keeps the roots healthy and the foliage lush.