How to Keep a Christmas Poinsettia Alive All Year

The poinsettias association with Christmas began in Mexico during the sixteenth century. The story of the first poinsettia tells of a poor, young girl who could not afford a gift for baby Jesus to bring to the church altar. An angel appeared to the little girl, telling her to go out and collect weeds in a basket and leave them in front of the altar for Jesus. Beautiful crimson flowers appeared from the weeds and became known as poinsettias. The Franciscans of Mexico included the poinsettia in their Christmas celebrations from the seventeenth century up to present day.

Colorful poinsettias are a Christmas tradition in many homes, church altars, business offices, and store displays. In fact, the United States celebrates a National Poinsettia Day on December 12.

Poinsettias make cheerful holiday gifts that can last all year if you know what to do. You don't have to give up your poinsettia when it the color fades away. Follow these steps for a poinsettia that will bloom year after year.

Caring for the Poinsettia

While the poinsettia is blooming, make sure the soil is evenly moist. Water it when the soil first starts to feel dry. Position the poinsettia in bright light but make sure it is not direct sunlight.

When the poinsettia starts to fade, usually close to springtime, cut it back to about four inches and repot the plant with fresh soil.

Fertilize the poinsettia once a month to stimulate the new growth. Any kind of plant fertilizer will do.

By the time fall arrives, the poinsettia will turn green again. At this point, stop fertilizing the plant.

This is the time to start coaxing the poinsettia to bloom once again. At the end of September, start giving the poinsettia fourteen hours of darkness every day. Keep it in a dark closet or cellar. You can also cover the poinsettia with a box from about 5:00 pm to 6:00 am. If you do this faithfully every night, your poinsettia will begin turning color within three weeks. Continue the process for seven to eight more weeks and the poinsettia will be in full bloom just in time for Christmas.

Your colorful poinsettia will bloom year after year if you follow these steps. There's no need to buy a poinsettia every year. Keeping a poinsettia alive is easy if you know the care and conditions that the plant needs.

Resource: Traditions of Holiday Plants