Caring for Poinsettias After the Christmas Period
Poinsettias are everywhere at Christmas, bringing vibrant red, pink, or white colour into our homes. But once the festive decorations come down, many people aren’t sure what to do with them — and sadly, they’re often thrown away.
The good news? With the right care, Poinsettias can live on well beyond Christmas and even re-colour again next year. Here’s how to look after your Poinsettia once the festive season is over.
🌿 1. Don’t Throw It Away Too Soon
If your Poinsettia still has healthy leaves and firm stems after Christmas, it’s absolutely worth keeping. It’s a perennial plant, not a disposable decoration, and with a bit of patience it can continue growing year after year.
💧 2. Reduce Watering Gradually
After Christmas, Poinsettias enter a resting phase. They need less water than they did in December.
Water only when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry
Avoid letting the plant sit in water
Always use a pot with drainage holes
Overwatering is the quickest way to cause leaf drop or root rot at this stage.
🌡️ 3. Keep Temperatures Stable
Poinsettias dislike cold draughts and sudden temperature changes.
Ideal temperature: 15–21°C
Keep away from doors, open windows, and radiators
Avoid placing them outside during winter
A warm, bright room with stable conditions works best.
☀️ 4. Give It Plenty of Light
Even after Christmas, Poinsettias still need good light.
Place near a bright window
Avoid harsh direct sunlight
Rotate the plant occasionally for even growth
Low light can cause yellowing leaves and weak growth.
✂️ 5. Prune in Early Spring
Once the plant looks leggy or tired (usually around March or April), it’s time to prune.
Cut stems back to around 10–15cm
This encourages bushy, healthy new growth
Continue normal watering and light levels afterwards
Pruning can look dramatic, but it’s essential for a strong plant.
🌱 6. Repot If Needed
If roots are tightly packed or soil looks compacted, repot in spring using fresh houseplant compost. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the original.
🌸 7. How to Get It to Re-Colour for Next Christmas
This is the trickiest part — but it is possible.
From late September, Poinsettias need:
14 hours of complete darkness every night
10 hours of bright daylight
This routine needs to be followed for 8–10 weeks. Many people place the plant in a cupboard or cover it with a box each evening. Without this light cycle, the leaves will stay green.
🌿 Final Thought
Poinsettias don’t have to be a one-season plant. With steady care, patience, and the right light conditions, they can stay healthy all year and even return to their festive glory next winter.
If you’re unsure how your poinsettia is doing or want personalised care advice, the team at Plant Paradise by Gemma is always happy to help.