The holiday season is winding down and it’s time to start putting away the festive decorations. But, that doesn’t mean you have to dispose of your Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima.) Poinsettias are one of the most popular flowers of the holiday seasons and each year plant and flower lovers do what they can to make sure their poinsettias last as long as possible.

In fact one the biggest after holiday garden and plant question is, “How can I help my poinsettias to last throughout the rest of the winter to brighten up the cold dreary days to come”? While it is possible to nurse these plants through the winter season and even throughout the next 12 months, it’s helpful to know that these are picky plants that may not cooperate with your goal. Nonetheless, it’s well worth a try.

Poinsettia Care Tips
This popular Christmas flower should be placed near sunny window. Because they are tropical plants they do best with as much direct sunlight as possible, so your best bet is to place it near a south, east-, or west-facing window.

You can prolong the blooming period by keeping the poinsettia in a warm environment that ranges from 65 to 75 degrees especially during the day. An overnight temperature as low as 60 degrees won’t harm the plant, although a cool draft or having the leaves against a cold window will likely cause the leaves to drop prematurely.

As far as water goes, make sure to provide water whenever the surface soil feels dry to the touch. Water until the water begins to drain out of the bottom of the container. However, drain off the excess water in the saucer because leaving a poinsettia sitting in water will also cause leaf drop. Because these are tropical plants, they like a humid environment. In cold northern climates where the indoor air is dry, you’re likely to have to water every day

The above care guidelines are recommended to keep the plant healthy from January through March. In April, you can begin moving