How to choose the best poinsettia in November for a perfect Christmas display
Expert tips for choosing a poinsettia that still looks good when Santa arrives.
When selecting a poinsettia in November for a beautiful Christmas display, David Denyer, a flower expert at Eflorist, recommends focusing on the central yellow-green buds. These buds indicate that the plant is fresh and will remain vibrant for a longer period. However, there are two warning signs to avoid: drooping, yellowing, or missing leaves, which signal an unhealthy plant, and poinsettias that have been exposed to cold drafts, such as those placed near automatic doors or outside shops.
To protect the plant, Denyer advises wrapping it during transportation and keeping it warm once home. Poinsettias thrive in bright, indirect light and temperatures between 59-70°F (15–21°C), so choose a sunny location near a window but away from cold drafts like radiators, fireplaces, and open windows. With proper care, a poinsettia can maintain its color for six to eight weeks, lasting through December if purchased in mid-November or until the end of January if bought in December.
After the holiday season, Denyer provides guidance for keeping the poinsettia alive beyond Christmas. In late winter, reduce watering as the bracts fade and the compost dries out. In April, cut the stems back to about 4 inches and continue to keep the plant in a warm, bright location. May brings repotting into fresh compost, regular watering, and weekly feeding until summer ends.
Fall is crucial: from late September, provide the plant with about 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night for eight weeks by covering it with a box or placing it in a cupboard. This controlled darkness encourages the poinsettia to develop its colorful bracts in time for the following Christmas.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
