The mere sight of a Poinsettia could only mean that Christmas is not far away... how did the Poinsettia gain in popularity, and what exactly should we do with it once the colors have faded?  First, lets look at some history and how the plant grows in the wild.

HISTORY
Poinsettias are considered a tropical plant.  It had been cultivated by the Aztecs in Mexico.  It's religious associations began in the seventeenth century by Franciscan priests using the plant in it's nativity processions.  The plant further increased in popularity  when it became introduced to the United States in 1825 by botanist Joel R. Poinsett, who sent plants to botanical gardens and friends in the horticulture field.  The plant was originally called by the name Euphorbia "Poinsettia," or the botanical name, Euphorbia "pulcherima," but became better known as Poinsettia in English speaking countries.  In more recent years, the plant has steadily grown in popularity, remaining the most popular holiday plant.  Sales continue to increase annually, with new colors and varieties being introduced each year.

GROWING POINSETTA
In their native Mexico, Poinsettia grow as large shrubs reaching heights over 10 feet.  Contrary to popular belief, the plant is not poisonous, although it is inedible and can cause discomfort if eaten.
The plant is usually tossed out after the holidays, but it is possible to keep growing indoors and then cuttings taken to be forced into bloom for the next year.  This is an effort that requires patience and diligent monitoring of day length, a procedure that commercial greenhouses are best able to control.  Under home conditions, it can be done, although success cannot be guaranteed.

Poinsettias like moist soil and bright light conditions in the home.  Drafts of warm or cold air can cause damage to the plant.  When you receive your plant, remove any foil sleeve or decorative paper that is used to decorate the pot.

REBLOOMING POINSETTA...THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE!!

Congratulations!  You are the owner of a new Poinsettia plant.  This plant stays lovely almost until spring.  By that time, the plant is green and plain.  The color has lasted for months, and the robins are coming back.  My husband quietly observes the annual ritual:  the plant gets tossed out in the spring, and I vow never to get another.  Yet, every year, a new and improved variety comes home... that glowing mass of bright red bracts, too tempting to resist. (I am still trying to convince my husband that I will not do the same with him.)

The Poinsettia is considered a short day plant.  In order to get the bracts to color, it is necessary to give the plant short days/long nights on a regular basis, without interruption for a period of time...
To simplify things, I put together a calendar of tips for care and rebloom that should help patient gardeners to try this at home.

Keep your Poinsettia watered and in bright light.  The plant will continue to hold its color for several more months, and then the bracts will begin to fade and fall off.  During this time, repotting may be necessary.  Continue to allow the plant to grow and branch indoors until the spring.  Once the danger of frost has passed, you can put the plant outdoors, on the east or north side, where it can get a bit of sun in the morning hours.

MAY 
After danger of frost, bring the plant outdoors, in a bright light location (not full sun) pruning back to 6 inches. Repot if necessary.   Fertilize every two weeks with a liquid seaweed or fish emulsion.   You can bring the plant outside to grow as long as temperatures stay above 50° F.  As it grows, you can prune to keep a nice shape, until September 1.

JULY
Take cuttings, if desired, for smaller, more compact plants.  Select new growth for your cuttings...using a rooting hormone, place cuttings in a loose, sandy mix and keep moist. Keep in bright light, in a protected place away from the wind and strong sun.  

SEPTEMBER
Bring indoors, check diligently for insects, gently wash the leaves to eliminate pests;  repot if necessary.  Place in a morning-sun/bright light area.    Do not prune any more.

Now comes the part that is the most difficult....maintaining long uninterrupted   periods of darkness for at least 14 hours each night.  Even greenhouse growers have their problems with this, as urban lighting can interrupt this cycle and disrupt bloom time.

OCTOBER 1
Place your Poinsettia in a completely dark place from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., and then bring into bright light during the day.  Temperatures should range between 60 - 70° F.  Don't forget about your plant, it is still growing! 

Complete darkness can be achieved by placing a box over the plant at night, or by placing in a completely dark room (watch for light coming in windows, or someone accidentally turning a light on or opening the door).  Repeat this process each day... any interruption in this dark period (street lights, etc.) will interfere with the coloration process.  Continue to water and fertilize the plant during this time.  Keep temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.  Within 8-11 weeks you should see the bracts beginning to color.