Poinsettia care varies based on the season. The following table provides tips on how to keep it healthy year-round.
| Time of year | Winter (mid-November to late April) |
Spring (late April to mid-June) |
Summer (mid-June to mid-September) |
Fall (mid-September to mid-November) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physiological phenomenon | Blooming period (coloured bracts) | Vegetative growth begins | Active vegetative growth | Flower initiation (flowers and bracts form) |
| Lighting | As much indirect sunlight as possible | Bright light (or filtered sunlight) |
Indoors: sun Outdoors: semi-shaded or sunny spot after a period of adjustment |
Bright light in day (or filtered sunlight) 14 consecutive hours of total darkness a day for eight to ten weeks |
| Temperature |
Daytime: maximum 20°C to extend life of bracts Nighttime: ideally 16-17°C |
About 20°C |
Indoors: 20-24°C Outdoors: take it outside when nighttime temperatures stay above 13 °C. |
20ºC (If possible, temperature of 15-18°C once bracts are completely coloured, to intensify colour) |
| Watering |
Allow the surface of the soil to dry out slightly between waterings |
Cut back on watering after pruning Water only often enough to prevent the soil from drying out completely |
Allow the surface of the soil to dry out slightly between waterings Outdoors: Watch out for under-watering |
Allow the surface of the soil to dry out slightly between waterings |
| Fertilizing | No fertilizer needed | Start fertilizing when new leaves appear: use a balanced fertilizer (1-1-1 ratio, such as 20-20-20), once a month | Soluble fertilizer (20-20-20) every two weeks |
Soluble fertilizer (20-20-20) every two weeks Starting early November, use a potassium-rich fertilizer (1-1-2 ratio, such as 15-15-30) to encourage the development of bracts and flowers |
| Pruning, repotting and cuttings |
Repot and prune in late April Cut stems back by at least 1/3 of their height Mist after pruning Cuttings may be started from May to July |
Second pruning in July or August, but never after September 1 |