Can you keep a poinsettia from year to year?

Missy asks if it is possible to keep a Poinsettia from year to year?

The short answer is, “Yes.” But it will take some work and dedication on your part to have the bright red Poinsettia next Christmas. In my opinion it is not worth all the effort to have the plant re-bloom the next year, especially since nice sized Poinsettias are so inexpensive during the holidays. Also, the plant probably will not look as full and lush as it was when first purchased.

But if you really are up to the challenge, here are the necessary steps to take.

Keep it in a sunny window. The red leaves will begin to drop and the plant will begin to look leggy. It is important not to over water it. Too much water will definitely kill it. In April let the plant dry out a bit, but give it enough water for it to survive.

In the spring after it warms up above 50°F, move your plant outside to a shelter location where it can receive morning sun. You can cut it back by a third and pinch out the new growth to make it a bushier plant. Continue to water and fertilize it all summer. As it grows you might need to place it in a larger pot.

In the fall when the temps fall below 50°F, move your plant back indoors.

Poinsettia is a time sensitive plant. To bring it back into bloom it will need 14 hours of total darkness every evening. It can be placed in a dark closet or placed under a box. (any light from street lamps or light coming in from under a closet door can interfere with the formation of flowers.) During the day it should receive around 10 hours of sunshine. To have it bloom for Christmas this process should begin around the first week of October.

In the wild Poinsettias are a small tree. I can remember on a trip to Mexico seeing entire hillsides aglow with Poinsettia’s gorgeous bright red flowers. While teaching in Kenya, Poinsettias of various colors grew in the highlands as large shrubs.

So regardless if you are up to the challenge to recycle your Poinsettia or prefer, like me, to buy a new one every year, the Poinsettia makes a very fine addition to your holiday festivities!