Lowes Poinsettia: Selection, Care, and Reblooming Tips

The poinsettia, with its vibrant bracts, is a familiar sight during the winter holidays. This plant, native to Mexico, has become an iconic symbol of the festive season. Its popularity means it is widely available, and understanding how to select a healthy plant is the first step toward enjoying its color. This guide offers information for choosing a robust poinsettia and caring for it after you bring it home.

Selecting a Poinsettia at Lowe’s

When visiting a large store, you will likely find a wide array of poinsettias. They are available in different sizes, from small pots for a desk to large floor plants. While classic red is the most common, you can also find them in shades of white, pink, and marbled varieties. Knowing what to look for can help you bring home a plant that will last.

A healthy poinsettia will have dense, dark green foliage all the way down its stems. Avoid plants that have yellowing or dropped leaves, as this can be a sign of stress. The colorful parts of the plant, which are modified leaves called bracts, should be fully colored and rich in tone. If the bracts have green edges, the plant may not retain its color for long.

The true flowers of the poinsettia are the small, yellow buds in the center of the bracts, called the cyathia. Inspect these closely; they should be tight and fresh-looking. If they are shedding yellow pollen or have started to fall off, the plant is past its peak. Also, check the soil and avoid plants that are either bone dry or sitting in saturated soil, which can lead to root rot.

Poinsettias are sensitive to cold, and exposure to temperatures below 50°F, even for a short time, can cause damage. Ask for the plant to be bagged or sleeved for protection against cold drafts between the store and your car. Once home, remove any plastic wrapping to allow for proper air circulation.

Holiday Season Poinsettia Care

To keep your poinsettia looking its best through the holiday season, provide the right environment. These plants require bright, indirect sunlight for at least six hours each day. An ideal spot is near a window, but direct, intense sunlight can scorch the leaves, so a south-facing window might be too strong unless it is filtered.

Proper watering is another important aspect of poinsettia care. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, using room-temperature water. It is important to let any excess water drain from the pot; do not let the plant sit in a saucer full of water. Overwatering is a common mistake and can lead to root rot, which is indicated by wilting and yellowing leaves.

Poinsettias thrive in temperatures between 65 and 70°F during the day. They are sensitive to sudden temperature fluctuations, so place them away from drafty doors and windows. Also, keep them away from heat sources like vents or fireplaces. Slightly cooler temperatures at night, around 60 to 65°F, can help the plant maintain its brilliant color.

These tropical plants also appreciate average to high humidity. If your home is particularly dry during winter, you might consider placing the plant on a pebble tray. Fill a shallow tray with pebbles and water, ensuring the bottom of the pot is not submerged. This will increase the ambient moisture around the plant as the water evaporates.

Encouraging Poinsettias to Rebloom

For those who wish to keep their poinsettia after the holidays, encouraging it to rebloom is a multi-step process. After the colorful bracts fade in late winter or early spring, begin preparing the plant for the next season. Around March or April, prune the stems back to about half their size to encourage new, bushier growth.

During the spring and summer months, treat the poinsettia like a typical houseplant. After pruning, begin a regular fertilization schedule using a balanced, all-purpose houseplant fertilizer. Water it regularly and place it in a sunny window. If you live in a suitable climate, you can move the plant outdoors to a partially shaded location once the danger of frost has passed.

The most specific part of getting a poinsettia to rebloom occurs in the fall. Starting around the beginning of October, the plant requires a strict regimen of long nights to trigger color development. For about 8 to 10 weeks, the poinsettia must have 14 to 16 hours of complete, uninterrupted darkness each day. This can be achieved by moving the plant into a dark closet or covering it with a large box.

During this period, the plant still needs about eight hours of bright, indirect light each day. Continue to water as needed, but be meticulous about the dark period, as even a brief exposure to light can disrupt the process. If successful, you should see the bracts begin to change color for the next holiday season.

Common Poinsettia Issues

You might encounter a few common problems with your poinsettia. One of the most frequent issues is leaf drop, which is often a reaction to a sudden change in environment. This can be caused by exposure to cold drafts, a sudden shift in temperature, or improper watering. Provide a stable location for your plant away from temperature extremes.

Pests can sometimes be an issue, especially if the poinsettia is kept near other houseplants. Whiteflies and fungus gnats are two common culprits. Inspect the undersides of leaves and the soil surface regularly. If pests are present, they can be managed with insecticidal soap sprays or by adjusting watering habits to discourage fungus gnat larvae.