Care For Your Poinsettia Flower

Poinsettias continue to be one of the most popular flowers during the holiday season. Poinsettias range in color from the familiar read to pastel yellow and vibrant bi-colors. One of the most common questions is how to care for your poinsettia flower after the holiday season. The process to get your flower to bloom next year can be complicated and time consuming. Since the plants are not expensive, you might decide that it is money well spent to simply buy a new plant each year.

Light - You will want to place your plant near a sunny window. South, east or west facing windows will typically get more sunlight than north facing windows. Poinsettias are tropical plants and enjoy the sunlight.

Heat - To maintain the bloom as long as possible, keep the temperature between 65-75 degrees F during the day. Cold drafts or allowing the leaves to touch a cold window can cause the leaves to drop off the plant prematurely. To maintain a healthy, full plant avoid temperature that are too cool or extreme shifts in temperature.

Water - Water your poinsettia when the surface feels dry to the touch. Water until it drains out the bottom, but don't let your plant sit in water. Letting your plant sit in water can cause the entire plant to wilt.

Humidity - Lack of humidity during dry season, especially winter, is a typical houseplant problem. If your home tends to be dry and your poinsettia is in direct light, you will have to water the plant more often, possibly every day.

Following these few easy steps the care for your poinsettia flower will ensure a great healthy plant through the holiday season.