Few plants say “holiday season” quite like a poinsettia. Their bright bracts (those colorful leaves) and festive flair make them a Midwest favorite from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. Whether you picked up a classic red beauty, a speckled novelty variety, or a snowy white poinsettia, proper care will help your plant stay vibrant well past the holidays.
Here’s everything Midwest plant lovers need to know to keep poinsettias thriving despite winter’s cold, dry conditions.
1. Transport With Care: Protect From the Cold
Midwest winter temps can take a poinsettia from merry to miserable in minutes.
- Wrap it well before leaving the garden center—use a sleeve, paper wrap, or even a blanket to shield from wind.
- Avoid leaving it in a cold car while you run errands. Even a short exposure to below-freezing temps can cause leaf drop.
2. Find the Perfect Spot Indoors
Poinsettias love bright, indirect light.
- Choose a space near a bright east- or south-facing window without direct midday sun.
- Keep plants away from drafts, heat vents, fireplaces, and doors, which can stress the leaves and cause wilting or drop.
- Ideal indoor temperatures: 65–75°F during the day and no lower than 60°F at night.
3. Water the Right Way
Overwatering is the most common cause of poinsettia issues.
- Water at the base of the plant, when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Remove decorative foil or poke holes in it so extra water drains freely—poinsettias hate sitting in soggy soil.
- Empty saucers after watering to prevent root rot.
A well-watered poinsettia should feel slightly moist but never wet or bone dry.
4. Humidity Helps—Especially in Midwest Winters
Running the furnace dries out indoor air, and poinsettias prefer moderate humidity.
To help:
- Group plants together to create a micro-humidity zone.
- Use a humidifier or place the pot on a tray of pebbles with water (without letting the pot sit directly in the water).
5. No Feeding Needed… Yet
During the holiday season, poinsettias are in their showiest stage and don’t require fertilizer. If you keep yours past winter and into spring, start fertilizing monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
6. After the Holidays: Keep It or Compost?
Many people enjoy their poinsettias through winter and compost them in spring—and that’s totally fine! But if you want the challenge of re-coloring them next year:
- Keep the plant in bright light through spring.
- Cut it back in early spring and allow regrowth.
- Move outdoors in summer once frost danger passes.
- In late September, begin the strict 14 hours of nightly darkness needed for re-coloring.
It’s totally doable—but it takes dedication!
7. Bonus Tip: Pet Safety
Poinsettias are mildly irritating but not poisonous to pets unless they ingest a large amount of them....like the entire greenhouse. Still, it’s best to keep them out of reach of curious nibblers to avoid an upset tummy.
Enjoy the Holiday Glow
Poinsettias bring warmth, color, and cheer to homes right when we need it most. With a little attention to light, water, and temperature, your holiday plant can provide color well into the new year.
If you’d like help picking the perfect poinsettia—or want tips based on your home’s conditions—stop by our greenhouse! We’re always happy to help you keep your plants merry and bright.