Poinsettia
Most poinsettias are grown as a disposable seasonal plant, and that's a perfectly reasonable choice — but if a longer life is wanted, the two things that kill it fastest are a cold draught in the first days after purchase and being left standing in water trapped by its foil wrapper.
Care
Keep away from cold draughts and direct heat sources alike.
Water when the top of the compost feels dry, then let it drain fully; never leave it sitting in a saucer of water, but don't let it dry out completely either.
Free-draining, peat-free houseplant compost.
Not needed if kept just for the season; if keeping the plant long-term, cut back hard in spring once the bracts fade, to encourage fresh growth.
Nothing at all while it is in colour — the plant you buy has been fed and prepared already. Feed monthly only if you are growing it on through spring and summer to try again next winter.
Cuttings from the spring growth after cutting the plant back: dip the cut end in water to stop the milky sap flowing, let it dry, then root in warm compost. Getting it to colour up again needs strict long-night treatment in autumn, which is the harder part.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- JanuaryWater only when the compost surface is dry, and tip away any water left in the outer foil or pot cover after watering. how ›
- AprilIf keeping the plant long-term, cut back hard once the bracts have faded. how ›
- DecemberEnjoy the colourful bracts; keep away from cold draughts and radiators alike.
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- JanuaryWater only when the compost surface is dry, and tip away any water left in the outer foil or pot cover after watering. how ›
- AprilIf keeping the plant long-term, cut back hard once the bracts have faded. how ›
- DecemberEnjoy the colourful bracts; keep away from cold draughts and radiators alike.
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- JanuaryWater only when the compost surface is dry, and tip away any water left in the outer foil or pot cover after watering. how ›
- AprilIf keeping the plant long-term, cut back hard once the bracts have faded. how ›
- DecemberEnjoy the colourful bracts; keep away from cold draughts and radiators alike.
Months based on climate: Central Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- JanuaryWater only when the compost surface is dry, and tip away any water left in the outer foil or pot cover after watering. how ›
- AprilIf keeping the plant long-term, cut back hard once the bracts have faded. how ›
- DecemberEnjoy the colourful bracts; keep away from cold draughts and radiators alike.
Months based on climate: Southern Italy and islands. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. Leaves yellowing and dropping within days of bringing it home.
What to do. Usually from a cold draught during transport or an unheated shop entrance, or from sitting in a wet saucer — keep away from both.
How to spot it. The plant is sitting in a decorative foil wrap that traps water round the roots.
What to do. Always remove the pot from any sealed foil or cover to water it, and let it drain fully before replacing the wrap.
How to spot it. White latex sap from broken stems can irritate skin and is toxic if eaten.
What to do. Handle with care, and keep the plant away from pets and children who might chew it.
Questions
Poinsettia: is it hardy?
H1b: Tender, needs above 10°C. It survives above 10 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Sold and grown exclusively as a pot plant.
Poinsettia: when do you prune it?
Not needed if kept just for the season; if keeping the plant long-term, cut back hard in spring once the bracts fade, to encourage fresh growth. In the calendar for UK, pruning falls in April.
Poinsettia: when does it flower?
In the climate of UK it flowers in December.
When do you feed it?
Nothing at all while it is in colour — the plant you buy has been fed and prepared already. Feed monthly only if you are growing it on through spring and summer to try again next winter. Feeding months, UK: April–August.