Poinsettias last all year with expert’s monthly guide – 1 key plant care step in January

While the vibrant red bracts of a poinsettia may have been the centrepiece of your home decor, there’s still plenty of life left in your poinsettia — if you know how to care for it properly.

With the right attention and care, your poinsettia can continue to shine well into the new year and beyond, according to David Denyer, expert florist at  and RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medalist.

In January, after the celebrations are over, it’s time to shift your focus from holiday decoration to , the expert told .

The most important thing to remember is to not overwater, while aiming to keep the soil “slightly moist, but not soggy,” and only watering when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Poinsettias thrive in bright, indirect light, so find a spot like a windowsill that offers plenty of light without the harshness of direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

By February, as the colourful bracts begin to fade, don’t be alarmed—this is perfectly normal. Your poinsettia is entering a resting phase, and while it may appear tired, it’s just recharging for the next cycle.

This is the ideal time to prune back the stems to about 4 to 6 inches. While it may seem drastic, this step will encourage fresh growth and keep the plant healthy.

It’s also crucial to continue avoiding overwatering; poinsettias don’t need much moisture during the winter months, so allow the soil to dry out a bit between waterings.

March signals the end of the fertilising season for your poinsettia, as it’s still in its resting period. Focus on keeping the plant trimmed, which will help it develop a fuller, bushier shape.

“This encourages bushy growth,” said the expert, so even though it may look bare, pruning is a key step in preparing for the vibrant blooms next year.

“As the weather warms in summer, it’s time to help your poinsettia thrive by “pinching back the tips of new growth to encourage compact growth.”

This not only helps your plant stay strong and bushy, but it also sets the stage for next season’s blooms.

Summer also requires more frequent watering, but again, ensure the soil stays moist, not soggy, and avoid letting your plant sit in standing water. If you notice the plant becoming leggy, continue pinching the tips to promote a more balanced shape.

When late September rolls around, it’s time for the critical light manipulation phase that ensures your poinsettia will bloom in time for next Christmas. 

David recommended placing it in complete darkness for 14 hours a day, which can be done by putting the plant in a cupboard or covering it with a box at night.

During the day, make sure it gets 10 hours of bright, indirect light. This light-dark cycle should last for about six weeks, so be diligent and avoid even a small amount of light sneaking in. If you forgo this step, your poinsettia won’t bloom.

By November, your efforts will pay off as you start to see the bracts change color, which signals that your careful light control has been successful.

At this point, reduce fertilising and water lightly to prevent any stress on the plant. Keep an eye out for pests like aphids or whiteflies, which can damage your poinsettia if not dealt with promptly.