The classic red bracts of the poinsettia signal the start of the festive season — and this year, you’ll want yours to look beautiful for longer. Whether you’re shopping at our Kings Garden & Leisure stores in Exmouth or Sidmouth, or simply browsing for inspiration online, knowing exactly what to look for (and how to care for your plant) will make all the difference.
This guide covers everything from choosing a healthy plant to giving it the TLC it needs all season long.
How to Choose a Healthy Poinsettia
When you visit our Exmouth or Sidmouth stores, or pick one up as part of your festive shopping, here’s what to look for:
- Vibrant coloured bracts — the red, pink or cream leaf-like parts at the top of the plant.
- Healthy, rich green leaves all the way down the stem.
- No drooping or wilted leaves, which can be a sign of cold damage.
- Plants should be displayed away from open doors, pavements or draughty areas.
- If it’s a chilly day, protect your poinsettia on the way home — a cold blast can cause leaf drop within hours.
Where to Position Your Poinsettia
Poinsettias thrive in bright, indirect light. A sunny windowsill is fine as long as the sun isn’t too strong.
The most important thing is to keep your plant away from temperature extremes. Avoid:
- Cold draughts from open doors or single-glazed windows.
- Hot radiators, fireplaces or direct heat sources.
Aim for indoor temperatures of around 16–21°C, keeping your plant above 13°C at night to avoid shock and leaf drop.
Watering, Humidity & Feeding
A little attention goes a long way with poinsettias.
- Water sparingly — only when the surface of the compost feels dry to the touch.
- Never let the plant sit in water, as this can cause root rot.
- Boost humidity by misting the leaves lightly or placing the pot on a tray of pebbles with water beneath.
- If you’d like to keep your poinsettia after Christmas, feed monthly with a high-potash liquid feed during spring and summer.
Keeping Your Poinsettia Beyond Christmas
Many people treat poinsettias as festive houseplants, but you can keep yours thriving into the new year.
Here’s how:
- After the bracts fade, prune your plant back to around 10–15 cm in spring.
- Keep it in a bright but cooler spot over summer.
- From late September, give it long, dark nights (no more than 12 hours of light per day) for around 8–10 weeks to encourage the colourful bracts to return.
It’s a little technical, which is why many of us simply buy a new plant each year — but the challenge can be fun if you enjoy a gardening project.
Common Problems & How to Solve Them
Leaf or bract drop:
Usually caused by sudden temperature changes or draughts. Keep your plant somewhere warm and stable.
Yellowing leaves:
Often a sign of over-watering or very dry indoor air. Check the soil moisture and consider increasing humidity.
Mould or rot:
Caused by waterlogged compost. Make sure excess water can drain freely and remove any water from the saucer.
Skin irritation:
Poinsettias produce a milky sap that can irritate sensitive skin. Take care when pruning or repotting.
Find the Perfect Poinsettia at Kings
Both our Exmouth and Sidmouth stores are now stocked with a fresh selection of beautiful poinsettias in classic red and a range of seasonal colours. Our team can help you choose the healthiest plant and offer simple advice to keep it looking its best all season.
Pop in and let us help you bring a little extra festive colour into your home this Christmas.