There is nothing more festive than a beautiful red poinsettia plant during the holiday season. These stunning plants can be seen everywhere, from office cubicles to grocery store shelves. They have been a holiday tradition for centuries and their popularity does not seem to be waning. Given their ubiquity, you would think that we would know everything there is to know about them. But how long do poinsettias last?
The answer may surprise you. While most people believe that poinsettias only last a few weeks, the truth is that these plants can actually thrive for months or even years with proper care. They can actually adorn your home even if the holidays are over.
Why Do People Get Poinsettias for Christmas
Poinsettias have always been associated with Christmas. In Mexico, where the plants are native and bloom in winter, Franciscan priests used them as part of Christmas celebrations as early as the 16th century.
They are known as “Flor de Nochebuena” or “Flower of the Holy Night.” According to legend, a young girl named Pepita was too poor to bring a gift to baby Jesus’s church service on Christmas Eve.
She then gathered some weeds from the roadside and placed them at the altar. The weeds miraculously turned into beautiful red flowers. Poinsettias have been revered as symbols of hope and goodwill from then on.
These vibrant plants were introduced to the United States in 1825 by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico he brought back some plants and gave them to friends and botanical gardens.
How Long Do They Last
Generally speaking, poinsettias will last four to six weeks but you can keep the plant thriving for many more months even after Christmas.
Potted poinsettias usually last only up to three months but with the right care, they can last longer and might even be able to bloom in the next holiday season. The key to your poinsettia plant’s health and longevity is to provide it with the right amount of water, sunlight, and tender loving care.
- Pruning the plant will encourage new growth and prevent leggy stems. Cut back about one-third of the stem, just above a leaf node using sharp shears or pruning scissors.
- Fertilize your poinsettia regularly using a balanced house.
How to Properly Care for a Poinsettia Indoors
Growing a Poinsettia indoors may not be as difficult as you think. The key to success is understanding the plant’s natural tendencies and providing the proper care.
Water Needs
Poinsettias are native to tropical regions and as such, they need a lot of moisture to survive. The soil should be moist but not soggy at all times. Do not overwater the plant. Poinsettias are susceptible to root rot so it is important to not underwater or overwater them. Allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between watering. Avoid getting water on the leaves as this can cause them to wilt and turn brown. Water your plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
Light and Temperature Requirements
Place your Poinsettia in a spot where it will receive bright indirect sunlight for at least six hours a day. Avoid direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves. This festive plant is native to Mexico but it doesn’t mean that it likes the sweltering heat. It is best to keep it at room temperature or somewhere between 16-20°C. Protect the plant from extreme cold and freezing temperatures.
Soil Type and Fertilizer Needs
A poinsettia will flourish in well-drained and loamy soil with a pH of 5.8 to 6.2. After it blooms, it is best to use a soluble fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20-20-20. Apply the fertilizer once a month from spring to fall. This will encourage new growth.
Pruning Needs
It is ideal to prune this Christmas plant biannually. The first pruning should be done in spring which is in April. Cut them down and repot it. Once it starts to show signs of growth, fertilize and pinch back to encourage a more bushy plant.
How Long Do Poinsettias Last: Final Thoughts
The poinsettia plant has been associated with Christmas since the 16th century. It has been used to beautify nativity scenes and as gifts. Most people would think that poinsettias die soon after Christmas.
However, the truth is that they can last for several months if they are taken care of properly. With the right amount of water, sunlight, and fertilizer, your poinsettia plant will continue to bloom and bring holiday cheer for many seasons to come.