How-to Guide
Poinsettia Care and Reblooming
The short answer
For holiday care, give a poinsettia bright light (not a north window), a draft-free spot at 65 to 75 F, and water whenever the surface soil feels dry, never letting it sit in water. That keeps the colorful bracts fresh into late winter.
Reblooming is possible but takes commitment. Cut back on water in early April and keep it cool; cut stems back to 3 to 6 inches in May; repot and move it outside in June, fertilizing monthly. The critical step is light: starting in early October, give the plant 12 to 14 hours of complete darkness every night for about 6 to 8 weeks, with bright light by day, to trigger the colored bracts for the holidays.
Holiday care
- Bright light; avoid a north window and cold drafts.
- Keep temperatures around 65 to 75 F.
- Water thoroughly when the surface is dry; never let it stand in water.
Reblooming schedule
- 1Spring — In early April reduce water and keep it cool; in May cut stems back to 3 to 6 inches.
- 2Summer — Repot in June, move outdoors to a sunny spot, and fertilize monthly.
- 3Fall dark treatment — From early October give 12 to 14 hours of complete darkness each night for about 6 to 8 weeks, with bright light during the day.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- University of New Hampshire Extension — Poinsettias: Care and Reflowering — Bright light, 65–75 F, water when surface dry; spring cutback and summer care; 12–14 hours darkness nightly from early October for ~6–8 weeks to rebloom
- University of Missouri Extension — Poinsettias can bloom again next year with TLC — Year-round care schedule to rebloom; cut back in May; strict fall dark period to set bracts