Poinsettia Care Instructions Botanical Name: Euphorbia pulcherima - Water: Water when the soil surface feels dry to touch. Light: Temperature: Ideal temperatures are 70 to 75 degrees during the day and 62 to 65 degrees at night. Tips: Poinsettia is most popular at Christmas but may stay ornamental until March or April. A growing area with full sun is needed. and use a house plant fertilizer according to label instructions. The plant is cut back after blooming. Cuttings may be grown into blooming plants or the old plant may be reflowered. To bloom for Christmas, the plant must be given 14 hour nights beginning in early September. Over- or underwatering, or hot or cold drafts cause leaf drop. Propagation is by cuttings. DECEMBER: Full bloom. FEBRUARY: Flower fades.Lateral growth starts. MARCH : Remove flower. Cut stems to 6 inches. Many laterals will start below break. JUNE 1 : Repot in larger pot if necessary. Plant outside in pot. JULY : Pinch all lateral shoots to 4 inches. Root shoots if desired, then pot. AUGUST: Take inside. Contrary to rumors otherwise, poinsettia are not poisonous. Of course, no houseplant should be consumed. Get Printable Version of this document