Poinsettias are a traditional decorative plant for the holiday season. Since they are living plants and the growing conditions they face in homes or businesses are oftentimes less than ideal, poinsettias need some extra care to keep looking festive.

While the decorative foil often wrapped around the poinsettia pot may be attractive, it will hold in water. If poinsettias sit in saturated soil they will decline very quickly. Either remove this foil or place holes in it so the soil drains properly to maintain a balance of water and adequate oxygen. When deciding to water poinsettias, allow the soil surface to dry slightly but do not let the soil completely dry out. Add enough water so it drains through the holes in the bottom of the pot, and make sure the pot is not sitting in water.

Fluctuating room temperatures are another major enemy of poinsettias in homes and offices. Place poinsettias out of warm drafts, such as from heat ducts or radiators, and avoid entrances that constantly create cold drafts. Location should provide bright light. Ideal temperatures should be between 65 to 70 degrees.

With some care, poinsettias can be attractive potted plants all year and can also be grown to rebloom next year. After the holidays, continue providing bright light and water as needed. Around late February, cut back the plant to about 5 or 6 inches. As new growth appears, fertilize with houseplant fertilizer every 3 to 4 weeks. Repotting into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil is suggested.

Once we get to Memorial Day, poinsettias can be transferred outdoors for the summer. Gradually acclimate your plant to the outdoor environment and provide about 4 to 6 hours of sun daily. Pinch off approximately 2 or 3 inches of stem to promote side branching and more compact growth. Continue to water and fertilize. Around Labor Day, gradually move plants back inside to a location that gets direct bright light.

The colorful red, white, or pink “flowers” technically are modified leaves called bracts. The actual flowers are yellow and beadlike and will be found inside those colored bracts.

To get poinsettias to rebloom and bracts turn color, they need at least 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness nightly starting in late September or early October. Each night either move plants to a dark location or cover them with a box. Reduce fertilizing but continue to water and make sure plants get direct light during the day. Bracts will start to show color in late fall. If the dark period is too short, plants still grow and look healthy, but bracts stay green.