The Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is the undisputed holiday star, but many North Carolinians think of it as a temporary decoration. At For Gardens Sake in Durham, we want to help you keep that vibrant holiday cheer lasting long past the New Year!
Poinsettias thrive in our climate—but only indoors. Follow these simple indoor care and watering guidelines to ensure your plant stays brilliant and healthy throughout the season.
Poinsettia Indoor Care: The Essentials
The key to a happy poinsettia in a North Carolina home lies in mimicking its native tropical environment, while protecting it from the extreme temperature swings our region experiences.
1. Temperature is Critical
- Ideal Range: Poinsettias prefer temperatures between 65 – 80 degrees during the day. If you are comfortable, they are comfortable.
- Nighttime Protection: Never let the temperature drop below 55 degrees at night. Even a short exposure to cold can cause bracts (the colorful “petals”) and leaves to drop.
- Avoid Drafts: Keep the plant away from cold windowpanes, exterior doors, and heating vents. The hot, dry air from a vent can dry the plant out instantly, and cold drafts are fatal.
2. Light Requirements
Poinsettias need bright, indirect light to maintain their color.
- A sunny east-facing or south-facing window is perfect, but ensure the light is filtered (a sheer curtain works well).
- Avoid direct, intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.
Watering Recommendations
Overwatering is the number one cause of poinsettia death. Since our homes are often heated and drier in the winter, finding the right balance is crucial.
Here are some fast and easy tips to follow and how we actually take care of ours in the store.
|
Condition |
Frequency |
Recommendation |
|
When to Water |
When the soil surface is dry to the touch. |
Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. |
|
How to Water |
Thoroughly, but slowly. |
Water until you see water draining out of the bottom drainage holes. |
|
The Crucial Step |
Never let the plant sit in water. |
If your pot is wrapped in foil, punch a hole in the bottom or remove the plant to drain it completely after watering. Standing water leads to root rot quickly. |
|
Humidity Tip |
Check the humidity. |
North Carolina homes can get very dry in winter. Mist the leaves occasionally or place the pot on a saucer filled with pebbles and water (ensure the pot itself is above the water level). |
Post-Holiday Care
If you wish to keep your poinsettia alive for a second season—which is a fun, though challenging, gardening project—you can do so here in the greater Raleigh area. Simple, right?
- Late Winter: After the holidays, move the plant to a cooler, slightly darker location with temperatures around 60 degrees and reduce watering slightly.
- Spring Pruning (Around April): Prune the stems back to about 6 to 8 inches in height.
- Summer Vacation: Once all danger of frost is past (usually late April or early May in our Zone 7b/8a), move the plant outdoors to a spot with bright morning sun and afternoon shade. Fertilize monthly throughout the summer.
- The Secret to Color (October): To get the red bracts to color up again, the plant must receive 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness every night for about eight weeks, starting in early October.
Pick up some of the best holiday blooming plants at For Gardens Sake in Durham, NC!