How to Make a Poinsettia Stay Alive

The poinsettia is native to South America, where it is often considered to be a traditional Christmas plant. The plant is characterized by vivid red leaves, and a healthy plant can bloom anywhere up to 5 feet or more. It is inevitable that the plant will die, but given proper care and attention a poinsettia can live for years.

Plant pot
Small watering can
Potting soil
Thermometer

Instructions

- 1
  Locate a suitable place to keep the poinsettia. It is best to keep the plant indoors, away from harsh conditions, such as cold weather and strong sunlight. Ideally, the poinsettia should be placed near a window, where it can receive hours of filtered sunlight daily.
- 2
  Pay close attention to the amount of water given. Too much water will cause the plant to deteriorate very quickly, so make sure, using the watering can, that you are only topping up a little water once the top layer of compost has started to dry out.
- 3
  Give the poinsettia fresh low nitrogen, high potassium potting soil every month to keep a healthy growth. Keeping the soil levels balanced in this way will maintain strong development and significantly reduce the chance of disease.
- 4
  Keep the plant alive for another year by severely pruning around April. Pot the poinsettia into a smaller container and keep in a cool place (60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit) that receives sunlight. Place the plant in a dark room after 12 hours of sunlight starting in November to get the best color from the leaves in the winter months.

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