Poinsettias are lovely holiday plants that bring joy to your home during the height of winter. They make a wonderful gift for friends and family. And with a bit of love and coaxing, they can live happily in your home for more than just a few weeks!

Be aware that Poinsettias are toxic to house pets, so if your dogs or cats are nibblers, these plants may not be for your home. For dogs you can simply put them up and out of the area. Cats, as we know them, are harder to control. At least mine are, anyway.

They are not specifically toxic to humans. If you eat one, or your kids eat them, nausea may follow but not death.

Other Holiday Plants We Know and Love

Besides poinsettias other holiday plants we know and love are easy to think of.

Greenery: Evergreen boughs, cedar, holy and mistletoe are very popular during the holiday season. Although not specifically plants you want to grow, you may want them in a wreath or hanging around your home. Mist these with water if you can to keep them fresher.

Amaryllis: These bulb kits can be found in most grocery stores. Everything you need to grow them is included in the kit. These often cost under 10 dollars. Believe it or not, you can regrow Amaryllis bulbs!

Narcissus: Also called paperwhites. These are bulb kits and can be purchased in grocery stores alongside Amaryllis bulb kits. Their sweet scent and cheery faces are a lovely site in the depths of winter.

Plants Are the Perfect Holiday Gift

Giving a holiday plant is cost-effective, especially when you can find Amaryllis kits for under 10 dollars. They make the perfect present for anyone because they don’t take a lot of effort and bloom brilliantly.

PLUS! If you don’t know someone very well, a potted blooming flower is a nice gift. Whether or not they choose to keep it alive.

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How to Keep Poinsettias Alive

Keeping poinsettias alive and vibrant through the holiday season and beyond requires attention to their specific needs.

Instructions

Place them in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. Poinsettias thrive with 6-8 hours of light per day but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Keep them in a room with temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Avoid exposing them to drafts, sudden temperature changes, or cold windowsills.
Water the poinsettia when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, as soggy roots can cause rot. Discard excess water from saucers after watering.
Poinsettias prefer moderate humidity. If your home is very dry, consider using a humidity tray or placing the pot near a humidifier. Or use a plant mister for easy and quick humidifying.
Keep poinsettias away from heating vents, fireplaces, and areas with heavy foot traffic to prevent stress to the plant.
After the holidays, you can feed poinsettias monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.