Poinsettias do best in a window with lots of indirect light. If you can't provide enough light, the poinsettia will not last quite as long. If kept in a dim location, the poinsettia may only last a few weeks. So try to provide as much light as possible to extend the life of the flowers.

Water

Poinsettias do not like to dry out. Try to keep the soil moderately damp to the touch at all times. Plants getting lots of light and/or kept in a warm location will need more frequent watering than those in low light, cool locations. Check your poinsettia at least twice per week to make sure it does not dry out.

Temperature

Poinsettias are sensitive to temperatures below 65 degrees. So avoid cold, drafty window sills. On the other hand, close proximity to heat sources will cause poinsettias to dry our quickly, thereby hastening their demise. Comfortable "people temperatures" are good for poinsettias too.

Plant Food and Misting

Don't bother with either of these. They don't help.

How long will a poinsettia stay in bloom?

It depends on all of the factors mentioned above. A quality plant in the right location that is well-cared for can stay in bloom for up to six months. But that is unusual. Most poinsettias will last for 4 to 6 weeks before the flowers (technically known as bracts) begin to fall off.

When the flowers fade and the plant no longer looks attractive, you can discard the plant or you can test your green thumb by doing the following:

• Cut the stems back to just above the point where new (green) growth is emerging. This usually means cutting off one-half to two-thirds of the stems. It may look ugly until the new growth has filled out in a few weeks.
•  Move the poinsettia to a sunny windowsill.
•  Do not repot the poinsettia.
•  Water and fertilize the poinsettia regularly. Do not let it get dried out. Avoid temperature extremes and cold drafts.

If you do all of the above you will be rewarded with a full, nicely shaped, green-leafed poinsettia. Keep up this regimen through the winter, spring and summer. If you want your poinsettia to re-bloom, you will have to start preparing your poinsettia in the fall.

How to Get Your Poinsetta to Re-Bloom

It's not complicated, but it's not easy either. Beginning in late September, you must provide your poinsettia with 12 hours of complete darkness each night and 12 hours of good light during the day. For about eight weeks, you will have to move your poinsettia to a dark closet every night and back to the windowsill each day. Even a small amount of light from a light bulb for a short time can disrupt the formation of the new flowers. This is a lot of work. Most people prefer to purchase a new poinsettia each holiday season.