I Kept My Poinsettia Alive Past Christmas – Here’s What I Do in March and April for a Burst of Healthy Growth in Summer
It might not seem like a lot, but doing these small steps now will set your poinsettia up for success
Last December, a good friend bought me a beautiful green and white poinsettia as a hosting gift. I refused to discard it after the holidays, so I set myself the challenge of keeping it going until next Christmas. Somewhat surprisingly, my plant is thriving, and I can genuinely say I now know what a poinsettia needs (and doesn't need) in March and April to keep it happy.
My plant still looks healthy and strong, which you can see in the image below. Most of its bracts have now turned white, which is to be expected as it hasn't begun putting on any new growth just yet, but it is still striking and lush as it settles into its dormancy period.
Article continues below1. Reduce Watering Right Now
This is a big one. If you're still watering your poinsettia regularly, stop immediately. Through sheer chance and the fact I often neglect my houseplants because I'm so busy at home, until a few days ago I had not watered my poinsettia for several weeks.
And yet my poinsettia looked absolutely fine; better, in fact, than some of my other houseplants in the same room (which were clearly very thirsty).
I spoke to some of my fellow plant people, who know bit more about houseplants than I do, and they confirmed that I was actually doing the best thing I could for my poinsettia by not watering it right now.
Right about now, a poinsettia is entering its dormant period, and during this time it does not need, nor want, a lot of water. A light sprinkling every few weeks is enough to keep it happy. You should try to let the water dry out almost completely in between waterings.
A trusty soil moisture meter such as this one from Amazon is your friend here, as it will be able to tell you exactly how dry your plant's soil is, and indicate if it needs a drink.
2. Keep it in a Low-Light Spot
At no point in the year do poinsettias like direct sunlight, but they also don't want to be in complete darkness just yet. We will save that for the October advice.
Keeping your plant in a light room, but possibly in a darker corner away from the sun's glare will keep it happy as it rests and hibernates before it is ready to start putting on new growth.
3. Remove Brown or Dead Leaves
Don't be tempted to do any pruning just yet, as your plant simply wants a period to rest.
However, remove any shrivelled or browning leaves from your poinsettia (they should come away from the plant very easily) and keep the soil tidy of them, too. If little else, it serves to keep it looking fresh, even as it sleeps.
Take care when removing leaves if they are still attached strongly to the plant, as poinsettias will leak a milky sap where a leaf is removed from the main stem, and this can cause irritation to the skin.
You could use snips like these from Walmart to help, or wear thin gardening gloves; I have many pairs of these ones from Amazon for all kinds of jobs.
4. Keep the Temperature Stable
As your poinsettia rests it will prefer a cooler spot for the months ahead. Between 50F and 60F is ideal.
Poinsettias prefer things on the cooler side in spring, but consistency matters far more than exact numbers. I keep mine in the living room, avoiding anywhere that heats up quickly during the day or drops sharply at night.
What they really dislike is fluctuation. A blast of heat from a radiator or a sudden chill from an open window can trigger leaf drop almost overnight, undoing months of careful care.
What to Shop
Gloves will help to protect your hands from the milky sap that leaks from poinsettia stems.
This beautiful vintage-style floral planter instantly elevates any pot display and would give your poinsettia a new look as we head into spring.
It's not time to fertilize your poinsettia just yet, but when it is this product is specifically formulated for poinsettias and will set them on the path to vitality.
Hopefully now you'll be feeling confident that you can keep your poinsettia alive until next Christmas. The key for the March and April is to not do to much. Let your plant rest and it will reward you with a burst of vitality in May.
And if you love inspiring garden ideas, outdoor advice, and the latest news, why not sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox?
