Poinsettias are the MVPs of December décor — bright, cheerful, and essentially effort-free. But they’re more than a one-month wonder. With a little know-how, you can keep them thriving long after the tree is down, eventually growing into shrubs that re-bloom for future holidays.
Start strong in December
Choose healthy plants with dense bracts (the colorful “petals”), plenty of deep green foliage, and no yellowing leaves. Keep them away from blasts of AC or heaters and water when the top inch of soil is dry. Starting with a healthy plant and giving it steady care in December lays the groundwork for long-term success.
Post-holiday reset
Once the festivities fade, give your poinsettia bright, indirect light indoors and continue watering as needed. Avoid letting water sit in the saucer. In late February or March, prune the plant back to about six inches, leaving a few leaves on each stem. This encourages fresh, bushy growth.
Transition outdoors
After the last risk of chill, move the plant outside to a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. Florida’s spring and summer warmth are ideal, but avoid harsh midday sun. Fertilize monthly with a balanced product and pinch back new tips once or twice to keep the plant compact.
Replant to the landscape or a larger pot
If you’re planting in the ground, pick a well-drained spot and amend the soil with organic matter to improve sandy conditions. Outdoors, poinsettias can become 3–10-foot shrubs in Florida with protection from cold snaps. In containers, move the plant to a slightly larger pot with quality potting mix and make sure drainage is excellent.
Color timing for next year
To trigger those iconic holiday hues, poinsettias need long nights starting in early October. Give the plant 13–14 hours of complete darkness nightly for six to eight weeks — think of a closet or a covered, ventilated box — while still providing bright light during the day. Once color sets, return the plant to normal household lighting and enjoy your second-year show.
Start smart with high-quality plants and smart timing
Liberty’s Christmas Presale lets you pre-order premium poinsettias during October at 25% off with free local delivery or 50% off delivery, and choose the exact date you receive them — available November 9 through December 13. That means fresh, vibrant plants in December and a healthy head start for spring replanting. Order October 1–31 to secure selection and timing.
Liberty Landscape Supply is Northeast Florida’s full-service garden center and landscape partner with four retail locations serving Jacksonville (North Main Street and San Jose Boulevard), Fernandina Beach, and St. Augustine, plus delivery across the region. From plants, trees, sod, soil, mulch, rock, and gravel to hardscapes, pottery, lighting, irrigation, design support, and expert advice, Liberty helps homeowners and pros plan, shop, and install with confidence, making landscape projects easy.
To learn more, visit www.libertylandscapesupply.com
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Drew Peterson
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drew@libertylandscapesupply.com
