Perfect Poinsettias from Now through New Years

We found this gorgeous poinsettia at Wegmans in Downingtown.

Tis the season to grow indoor house plants like amaryllis, paperwhites and poinsettias!  To keep poinsettias looking beautiful all holiday season long, follow the simple tips below.

Start Smart

Always start by selecting a healthy, vigorous poinsettia plant.  Prior to purchasing your plant, check for signs of wilt, broken branches and even mildew.  Also, it helps to purchase your plants from a reputable garden center or a grocery store with a nice floral and live goods section.

Location, Location, Location

Finding the right spot for your poinsettia is key since they require lots of light.  Be sure to place your poinsettia near a sunny, south, east or west facing window for maximum exposure to sunlight.  Pull back window treatments to let more light in as needed.

Turn up the Heat

Poinsettias will hold their blooms longer if they are kept at a temperature between 65 – 75 degrees.  Poinsettias are tropical plants, so heat and light are integral for performance.

Water Well & Wisely

Here's a close-up of the gorgeous poinsettia blooms. The variety name is 'Visions of Grandeur' and the grower listed on the plant tag is Paul Ecke Ranch. Truly a gorgeous variety!

While it is important to prevent your poinsettia from drying out, you should also avoid over-watering and letting it sit in standing water, which can lead to wilting and leaf drop.  The rule of thumb is to water a poinsettia when the soil feels dry to the touch.  Upon watering, let the water flower until it drains from the bottom of the pot.  Next, discard the excess water that ran out of pot and on to the catch tray or plate.