Here's How To Get Your Poinsettia To Rebloom

Now that the holidays are upon us, a favorite seasonal plant is making its reappearance. Euphorbia pulcherrima, also known as a poinsettia, is a gorgeous holiday plant frequently used for both gifting and decorating. Known for its rich color and ties to the holiday season, the poinsettia is native to Mexico and Central America. It has been considered a holiday plant in the United States since the 1820s, and if given the right care, the poinsettia can spread cheer year round and rebloom for the next Christmas.

Poinsettia longevity starts when you purchase your plant. Look for a plant that has large, vibrant leaves that are not broken or wilted to ensure you start with a healthy plant. Poinsettias have brightly colored leaves called bracts that come in shades of red, yellow, white, and pink. The plant seeks warmth and light, preferring at least six hours of indirect sunlight. It is also sensitive to sudden extreme temperatures and does well when kept around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Poinsettias need water only when the surface of their soil is dry, and plant fertilizer is recommended if you intend for the plant to stay healthy all year.

To help your poinsettia survive until the next holiday season, its important to keep in mind the growth cycle of the plant. Early in the year, from January to March, poinsettias often lose their leaves and vibrancy. Though it may seem like the plant is dying, this is a common occurrence for a poinsettia. As long as the plant is getting sufficiently sunned and watered, poinsettia leaves falling is not a concern. As the year progresses, the plant enters a regrowth phase starting around April. At this point, you can move your poinsettia outside if the temperature is above 55 degrees. Also, consider using fertilizer, repotting it in a larger container, and cutting stems until they are around 5 inches long so the plant can regrow. When temperatures start to fall, bring the plant back inside and continue giving it sunlight during the day.

As October and November come around, it's time to add dark periods to your poinsettia care regimen. The plant reblooms best when it has six to ten hours of sunlight throughout the day followed by a long period of complete darkness in the evening and at night. Moving your poinsettia to dark areas of your home like a closet or keeping the plant under a box to block out as much light as possible is key. Look out for any leaves changing color to indicate the plant is starting to rebloom, and within six to eight weeks, the plant will have completed its transformation.