How Do I Care for a Christmas Poinsettia to Keep It Fresh The Christmas season in London feels incomplete without the iconic poinsettia—the bright red, star-shaped holiday flower that instantly adds warmth to homes, offices, and festive displays. Whether you buy your poinsettia from a Christmas flower shop in London or order it through a Christmas online flower service like Elisana Florist, proper care ensures your plant stays fresh, colourful, and healthy throughout the festive period (and even beyond!). In this detailed guide, we’ll explain how to care for a Christmas poinsettia, the common mistakes to avoid, and tips to keep it looking vibrant well into the New Year.
What Makes the Poinsettia a Christmas Favourite? Poinsettias are known for their striking red, white, or pink bracts (colourful leaves). Contrary to what many believe, these bracts are not flowers—the actual flowers are the tiny yellow buds in the centre. In London, poinsettias are extremely popular during the holiday season because: ● They offer classic Christmas colours
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They look amazing as table décor and entrance displays They pair beautifully with other Christmas flowers London arrangements They are affordable yet festive They last long with simple, consistent care
Elisana Florist delivers carefully nurtured poinsettias across London, ensuring each plant arrives fresh and ready to brighten your space.
1. Choose a Healthy Poinsettia (Most Important Step!) Even the best care won’t help if you start with an unhealthy plant. Here’s how to pick one: Look for These Signs of a Healthy Poinsettia ● ● ● ● ●
Bright, vibrant bracts (red, pink, or white) Dark green leaves No drooping or yellowing The central yellow buds should be small and intact No visible insects on the leaves
Avoid Plants Displayed Near: ● ● ● ●
Open doors (cold drafts damage poinsettias) Ventilation fans Heaters Wet soil trays
Elisana Florist ensures all poinsettias are stored at optimal temperatures before delivery, making us one of the most reliable choices for Christmas online flower shopping.
2. Keep Your Poinsettia Warm – Temperature Matters Poinsettias are native to Mexico, meaning they love warmth. London winters can be harsh, so protecting them from cold is essential. Ideal Temperature Range
● Day: 18–22°C ● Night: 15–18°C What to Avoid ● Cold drafts from windows or doors ● Placing the plant near radiators or heaters ● Sudden temperature changes (the biggest cause of leaf drop) Pro Tip: If you order poinsettias online, bring them inside immediately when delivered, especially in freezing temperatures.
3. Give Your Poinsettia the Right Amount of Light Poinsettias thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Best Light Conditions ● Place near a window with filtered light ● 6 hours of indirect daylight is ideal ● East-facing windows work beautifully Avoid: ● Direct harsh sunlight (it can burn the leaves) ● Dark corners ● Areas with artificial heat from lamps Light plays a huge role in keeping the bracts vibrant throughout Christmas.
4. Water Your Poinsettia Properly (Not Too Much, Not Too Little) Overwatering is the #1 reason poinsettias die early. How to Water Correctly
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Water only when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry Remove excess water from the tray to prevent root rot Use room-temperature water Never keep the pot sitting in water
Watering Frequency
Usually every 3–4 days indoors in London, depending on heating and humidity.
● Signs of Overwatering ● Yellow leaves ● Drooping foliage ● Mushy stems Signs of Underwatering ● Dry, crispy leaves ● Sudden leaf drop Watering discipline can easily help your poinsettia last past Christmas.
5. Maintain Indoor Humidity London homes tend to become dry due to heating systems during winter. Simple Ways to Increase Humidity ● Place a humidifier near the plant ● Keep a tray of water nearby ● Mist the air around the plant (not directly on the leaves)
Humidity keeps the leaves fresh, preventing them from curling or drying out.
6. Avoid Exposure to Wind and Drafts Poinsettias hate cold air. Even a few minutes of exposure can damage the foliage.
Keep Them Away From: ● ● ● ●
Open doors Balcony windows Car vents (while transporting) Cold storerooms
If you’re picking up poinsettias directly from a Christmas flowers London shop, ask them to wrap the plant in protective paper.
7. Do Not Fertilise During the Festive Season Many people make the mistake of feeding their poinsettias immediately. Important Rule: Do NOT fertilise your poinsettia during Christmas or December. The plant is already in full bloom. Fertilising may stress it. When to Fertilise
Start only around February or March if you want to keep it as a long-term indoor plant.
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8. Keep Poinsettias Away from Pets and Children While not extremely toxic, poinsettias can cause mild discomfort if ingested.
Symptoms in Pets ● Drooling ● Vomiting ● Mild irritation Keep the plant on higher tables or decorative stands.
9. Repotting and Long-Term Care (If You Wish to Keep It Beyond Xmas) Even though many people keep poinsettias only during Christmas, you can grow them year-round. After Christmas Care Tips ● ● ● ●
Move the plant to a bright indoor location Gradually reduce watering in late January Prune the plant in early spring to encourage new growth Repot in May using fresh potting soil
To Get It Red Again Next Christmas: Poinsettias require 14 hours of darkness every night for about 8 weeks (starting in October). This triggers the colour change. Elisana Florist can guide you if you’d like a care calendar!
Common Mistakes That Ruin Christmas Poinsettias Avoid these to keep your holiday flowers fresh:
❌ Overwatering ❌ Placing the plant near heaters or radiators ❌ Putting it in direct sunlight ❌ Exposing it to cold during transport ❌ Using fertilizers too soon ❌ Forgetting to drain excess water ❌ Keeping it in a dark corner A little extra attention goes a long way.
Why Buy Poinsettias from Elisana Florist? At Elisana Florist, we deliver premium-quality, healthy poinsettias across London. We ensure: ✔ Plants stored at ideal temperatures ✔ Fresh, vibrant bracts ✔ Safe, well-packaged home delivery ✔ Best choices for both home décor and gifting ✔ Reliable Christmas online flower delivery all over London Whether you need a single festive plant or bulk orders for corporate gifting, Elisana Florist brings Christmas beauty right to your doorstep.
FAQ: Christmas Poinsettia Care 1. How long do poinsettias last? With proper care, they can last 6 weeks to a full year. 2. Why are poinsettia leaves falling off? This happens due to overwatering, cold drafts, or lack of light. 3. Can poinsettias go outside in London? Not during winter. They are sensitive to cold and can die quickly. 4. Are poinsettias poisonous? They are mildly irritating but not dangerous. Keep away from pets and small children. 5. When should I water my poinsettia? Only when the soil feels dry at the top.
Final Thoughts Poinsettias are one of the most beautiful symbols of Christmas in London. With simple care—right light, warm temperatures, proper watering, and protection from drafts—you can keep your poinsettia looking fresh and festive throughout the season.
Whether you're decorating your home or gifting someone special, Elisana Florist offers the finest selection of Christmas flowers in London and smooth, reliable Christmas online flower delivery. Visit here.https://www.elisanaflorist.co.uk/blog/how-do-i-care-for-a-christmas-poinsettia-to-keep-it-fresh
