How to Get Your Poinsettia to Bloom Again Next Year

How to Get Your Poinsettia to Bloom Again Next Year

Your poinsettia doesn’t have to be a one-season wonder! With the right care, you can enjoy its colorful holiday blooms again next year.

January – March: Rest and Recovery

  • Keep your poinsettia in bright, indirect light.
  • Water when the top inch of soil feels dry — don’t let it sit in water.
  • Around mid-March, when the color fades, cut the plant back to about 6 inches tall to encourage new growth.

April – June: Encourage New Growth

  • When you see new shoots, begin fertilizing every 2–3 weeks with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
  • Keep the plant near a sunny window and maintain even moisture.
  • Once night temperatures stay above 50°F, you can move it outdoors to a shaded or partly sunny spot. Just don’t forget to water it!

July – August: Shape and Maintain

  • Pinch back new stems (just the tips) to encourage a fuller, bushier plant.
  • Keep fertilizing regularly and water consistently.
  • Avoid letting the plant dry out completely.

January – March: Rest and Recovery

  • Keep your poinsettia in bright, indirect light.
  • Water when the top inch of soil feels dry — don’t let it sit in water.
  • Around mid-March, when the color fades, cut the plant back to about 6 inches tall to encourage new growth.

April – June: Encourage New Growth

  • When you see new shoots, begin fertilizing every 2–3 weeks with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
  • Keep the plant near a sunny window and maintain even moisture.
  • Once night temperatures stay above 50°F, you can move it outdoors to a shaded or partly sunny spot. Just don’t forget to water it!

July – August: Shape and Maintain

  • Pinch back new stems (just the tips) to encourage a fuller, bushier plant.
  • Keep fertilizing regularly and water consistently.
  • Avoid letting the plant dry out completely.

September – October: Start the “Short-Day” Treatment

  • This is the secret to getting poinsettias to bloom!
  • Beginning around October 1, give your poinsettia 14–16 hours of complete darkness each night and 8–10 hours of bright light each day.
  • You can place it in a dark closet or cover it with a cardboard box or opaque bag every evening (from about 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.).
  • Do this daily for 8–10 weeks.
  • Continue watering and fertilizing as usual.

November – December: Bloom Time!

  • By late November, you should start to see color forming in the bracts (the “blooms”).
  • Once the color appears, you can stop the dark treatment and enjoy your plant in a bright location.
  • Cut back on fertilizing and water slightly less.
  • Congratulations — you’ve just rebloomed your poinsettia!

Pro Tips

  • Consistency is key — missing even a few nights of darkness can delay blooming.

  • Avoid exposing the plant to cold drafts or heat vents.
  • Repot into a slightly larger container in spring if roots fill the pot.

Whether you’re caring for your holiday star or planning ahead for next year, your poinsettia’s beauty doesn’t have to fade after the holidays. With the right care and a little patience, you can enjoy fresh blooms year after year. For more tips or to find the perfect companion plants, stop by Town and Country Gardens—we’re always happy to help your garden grow.