If you’ve ever brought home a beautiful poinsettia only to watch it droop, crisp, or drop leaves by December 12th, you’re not alone. Poinsettias are iconic holiday plants, but Alberta’s dry winter air and low-light days can make them a little dramatic. The good news? With the right indoor care, your poinsettia can stay lush and colourful well into the New Year, sometimes even until spring.
At Urbane Eight, we bring in premium poinsettias and holiday plants each season. Here’s how to keep yours thriving long past Christmas morning.
Understanding Poinsettia Care Indoors: Light, Water, and Warmth
Poinsettias aren’t delicate, they’re just misunderstood. Indoors, they need bright, indirect light, consistent moisture, and stable temperatures. If you mimic their native tropical conditions (minus the tropical humidity you can’t get in Alberta winters), they reward you with weeks or even months of vibrant colour.
Alberta’s winter sun can be weak, so place your poinsettia near an east or south-facing window, but keep it out of direct sunbeams that can scorch the bracts (the coloured leaves we all call blooms). A plant shelf with bright ambient light works beautifully too, pair it with a modern planter like Kanso pots for extra style.
How Often to Water a Poinsettia Indoors
This is the question everyone Googles—and for good reason. Overwatering is the #1 cause of poinsettia trouble.
The sweet spot:
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Not bone-dry, not soggy, just lightly dry to the touch.
Give the plant a thorough watering until it drains from the bottom, then empty the saucer. If you picked up a poinsettia wrapped in foil, remove it during watering so excess moisture doesn’t sit trapped at the roots.
In Alberta’s dry climate, you may find yourself watering once every 5–7 days, but always check the soil first. Humidity and temperature can change that schedule quickly.
Want to make watering easier? Pair your poinsettia with a clean-lined pot from our collection.
Why Your Poinsettia Has Drooping Leaves
Poinsettia drooping leaves are a signal, they’re just not shy about expressing their feelings.
Common causes include:
Underwatering:
Crispy, curled, or limp leaves usually mean the soil has dried out completely.
Overwatering:
Soft, yellowing leaves are your warning that roots may be sitting in water.
Cold drafts:
Alberta winters mean cold windows, drafty doors, and vents blasting warm air. Poinsettias hate temperature swings.
Low light:
If the plant is stretching toward a window or losing lower leaves, it may need more brightness.
Fixing drooping poinsettia leaves starts with diagnosing water and light. Move it to a stable, bright spot and refresh your watering routine. Many poinsettias perk up dramatically within a day once balance is restored.
Alberta Winter Poinsettia Care: The Local Edition
Caring for poinsettias in Alberta requires two extra considerations: humidity and temperature.
Humidity:
Indoor humidity can drop below 20% in winter. A nearby humidifier, pebble tray, or grouping plants together can help. You don’t need rainforest conditions—but a little extra moisture in the air goes a long way.
Temperature:
Keep your poinsettia between 18–22°C and away from exterior doors, cold windowsills, and heat vents. Transporting poinsettias on especially cold days? Make sure they’re wrapped before you leave the greenhouse.
How Long Can a Poinsettia Last Indoors?
With proper care, poinsettias can last until spring, sometimes even longer. While many people compost them after the holidays, they can be kept as regular green foliage plants for months.
If you want to rebloom your poinsettia next year, that’s a whole process involving precise darkness cycles, but for most people, enjoying it through winter is more than enough.
Choosing the Right Poinsettia at Urbane Eight
We choose varieties that hold up well in Alberta homes and bring in colours beyond classic red, think pink, marble, white, and speckled varieties.
Stop by the greenhouse to browse our holiday plants, fresh winter florals, and ready-made giftable arrangements. We also offer seasonal bundles, decorated planters, and beautiful gift-ready pots.
Final Tips for Poinsettia Success
• Bright, indirect light
• Water when the top inch of soil is dry
• Keep it warm and away from drafts
• Avoid letting water collect in the pot
• Give it a stable space with consistent temperatures
Follow these simple steps and your poinsettia won’t just survive Christmas—it will thrive well into the winter months.
Bring Home a Holiday Favourite
Explore our full selection of holiday plants and décor at Urbane Eight. From stunning poinsettias to winter-ready planters, we’ve curated everything you need to brighten your home this season.