{"id":7621,"date":"2024-10-18T14:07:04","date_gmt":"2024-10-18T12:07:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/?post_type=blog&#038;p=7621"},"modified":"2025-11-24T12:37:33","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T11:37:33","slug":"the-ideal-location-for-your-poinsettia","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/blog\/the-ideal-location-for-your-poinsettia\/","title":{"rendered":"Poinsettia location check: Which 3 factors really count"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Is your poinsettia blooming magnificently and bringing a cosy atmosphere to your home? That\u2019s great! To keep it this way, it needs the perfect spot \u2013 because, with the right location, you can keep it looking beautiful for longer. Here are some tips from the experts at Stars for Europe.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1\">In a nutshell: Tips for the right location<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The poinsettia (bot. Euphorbia pulcherrima, also known as Christmas Star) needs a warm, bright location without draughts at temperatures between 15 and 22\u00b0C. In summer, you can place your plant in a sheltered spot outdoors on a balcony or in a garden. This is known as oversummering. For oversummered specimens to form new flowers and coloured bracts, they must be kept in complete darkness for at least 12 to 14 hours a day from the end of September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/10\/yt-video-2.jpg\" alt=\"This YouTube video shows tips and instructions on how to care for and decorate poinsettias during Advent. It contains practical advice on the correct location and watering of these plants.\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=KGDNvxccIVs&amp;t=3s\">Two simple tricks to keep poinsettias thriving all winter long<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/blog\/the-ideal-location-for-your-poinsettia\/#1\">In a nutshell: Tips for the right location<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/blog\/the-ideal-location-for-your-poinsettia\/#2\">Location factor 1: Light conditions\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/blog\/the-ideal-location-for-your-poinsettia\/#3\">Location factor 2: Temperature\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/blog\/the-ideal-location-for-your-poinsettia\/#4\">Location factor 3: No draughts<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/blog\/the-ideal-location-for-your-poinsettia\/#5\">What to know when buying and transporting poinsettias\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/blog\/the-ideal-location-for-your-poinsettia\/#6\">Poinsettias &amp; location: Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2\">Location factor 1: Light conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As tropical plants, poinsettias like bright light but poinsettia season, which peaks in mid-November, falls at the darkest time of the year in Europe. In December there are just under eight hours of sunlight between sunrise and sunset in the UK. In their native Mexico, however, there are more than 11 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Poinsettias in the UK barely get enough sunlight in winter.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best location for your poinsettia should be as bright as possible. A spot in or near a window is perfect. East- or west-facing windows are ideal, but even the low levels of sunlight in a south-facing one aren\u2019t a problem in the UK\u2019s winter months. They don\u2019t need indirect light here during the classic poinsettia season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2023\/10\/2023-poinsettia-04000.contemporary-autumn-living-08.jpg\" alt=\"A man stands looking relaxed in a modern kitchen, holding a cup in his hand. There are pink and white poinsettias in pots on the kitchen island, along with a teapot and a bowl of sugar cubes.\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Distance and light intensity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The distance from the window plays a crucial role in the intensity of light that reaches your plant. The further away your poinsettia is from the windowpane, the less light will reach it. Light intensity reduces to 50 percent at just one metre away. At a distance of 2m, there\u2019s only around 25 percent of the original amount of light. From a distance of around 3m, less than 10 percent often arrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>To make the most of the conditions, place your poinsettia as close as possible to the windowpane in winter \u2013 when natural light is already scarce \u2013 but without it touching the panes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Light sources in winter: alternatives when there is little daylight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your poinsettia starts shedding its beautiful bracts, despite an otherwise ideal location near a window, it could be a sign that it isn\u2019t getting enough plant-available light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is plant available light?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Plants use certain spectrums of light for photosynthesis. This is known as plant available light or Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR). Normal daylight contains all of these spectrums. Artificial light sources don\u2019t necessarily provide them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alternative light sources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To help your poinsettia in low-light conditions, you can use special plant lights, called grow lamps. These provide exactly the right spectrum of light your plant needs for growth. LED grow lights are energy efficient and can stay on for long periods of time without using too much electricity. They emit the correct ratio of blue, red and white light and work best when close to and above the plant and lit for 10 hours a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3\">Location factor 2: Temperature<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Poinsettias like consistently warm temperatures between 15 and 22\u00b0C.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means they like neither cold nor extreme heat. In an overheated room it quickly becomes too warm for them. Above a radiator or next to a stove or fireplace, the temperatures are also higher than is good for poinsettias. At an ideal temperature of around 20\u00b0C, your poinsettia will do much better in winter than in very warm rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Important: The warmer it is, the more often you\u2019ll have to water. To find out if your poinsettia needs water, simply insert your finger gently into the soil. If it feels warm and dry, the plant needs water. Alternatively, you can lift the pot. If it is noticeably light, you should water. With peat-free compost, you need to be extra careful about watering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find out more about watering in the article\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/blog\/the-ultimate-watering-guide-for-your-poinsettia\/\">\u201cWatering poinsettias correctly\u201d<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2023\/10\/2023-poinsettia-02000-cottagecore-charm-15.jpg\" alt=\"Two white poinsettias in terracotta pots stand on a windowsill in a cosily decorated living room. There are also Advent candles on the windowsill, placed in numbered wooden blocks. In the foreground, there are green and red and white striped cushions on a sofa.\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can poinsettias tolerate cold?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As heat-loving plants, poinsettias don\u2019t like cold. They shouldn\u2019t be exposed to temperatures below 15\u00b0C for long periods. If the thermometer shows less than 12\u00b0C, there is a risk of cold shock. As a result, they will drop their leaves. This can happen the day after, but sometimes it doesn\u2019t happen until later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Avoid cold windowpanes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cold windowpanes in winter are bad news for poinsettias on a windowsill. Even with well-insulated windows, the glass can be significantly cooler and this cold spreads to the plants. Simply move your poinsettias slightly away from the window so neither the coloured bracts nor the green leaves come into direct contact with the cold surface<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Poinsettias don\u2019t like cold \u2018feet\u2019<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cold \u2018feet\u2019 are as unpleasant for tropical houseplants like poinsettias as they are for us humans. If your plant is placed on a cold surface at home, such as a tiled floor without underfloor heating or a windowsill made of cool stone, simply place the pot on a coaster (cork, for example) so the roots stay nice and warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adjust watering for underfloor heating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cold feet are harmful, but if the pot is placed on an underheated floor, the heat from below can also be problematic, as the soil dries out more quickly. In this case, place your poinsettia on a stool or on a carpet. This keeps the heat out a bit and can be an additional decorative touch. Make sure your poinsettia still gets enough light, even close to the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4\">Location factor 3: No draughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Beware of draughts:<\/strong>&nbsp;To give your poinsettia a comfortable home, look for a place that\u2019s sheltered from draughts. You should also temporarily move your plant to a different sheltered spot whenever you air a room. This will keep these popular houseplants healthy, allowing you to enjoy their bright colours for a long time to come!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a draught?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Draughts are a noticeable air movement that occurs when cold air enters a warm room. It can also occur when two opposite windows are open in a room, causing air to flow from one window to the other. This is equally unpleasant for poinsettias and people. Check the seals on your windows and doors are still good. Special draft excluders promise quick help against cold draughts too. How can you detect a draught? Light a candle. If the flame flickers or moves restlessly instead of burning calmly and evenly, there is a draught.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2023\/10\/2021-poinsettia-01000-boho-green-living-08.jpg\" alt=\"A large container of coral poinsettias stands in a modern living room. The plants are arranged inside a natural wreath of branches. An armchair with a cushion, a houseplant and a wall shelf displaying decorations can be seen in the background.\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5\">What to know when buying and transporting poinsettias<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Poinsettias are one of the best-selling houseplants. No wonder, as they come in numerous colours, so everyone can find the right one for their individual festive decorations. They are an integral part of Christmastime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A happy life with your poinsettia (also known as a Christmas star or Advent star), starts in the store. Only buy specimens housed in a bright, warm place sheltered from cold draughts. Avoid those displayed in a draughty entrance area or outside the store when temperatures are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cold and draughts damage poinsettias and cause them to drop their leaves \u2013 often not until a few days later. A lack of light can have the same effect. That\u2019s why poinsettias languishing in a dark corner of a store are not a good choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Well wrapped for home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To ensure your poinsettia arrives safely at your home, wrap it up well for transport. Local specialist shops and garden centres should offer suitable packaging material such as paper or cardboard. Bring your plant back home as soon as possible, unpack it and put it in a suitable place. You\u2019ve just learned a lot about ideal conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6\">Poinsettias &amp; location: Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2023\/10\/2021-poinsettia-diy-06130-diy-coat-hanger-plant-swing-03-1.jpg\" alt=\"A bathroom with a free-standing bathtub, next to which stands a basket of red poinsettias. More poinsettias in pots hang from a bamboo room divider. The walls are decorated with floral wallpaper and two framed pictures hang above the bathtub.\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I put my poinsettia in the hallway?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A spot right next to your front door isn\u2019t suitable. Draughts are poison for poinsettias. They react by shedding their leaves, just like in cold weather. Keep them away from open windows and doors and move them to a sheltered spot before airing the room they are in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I put my poinsettia in the bathroom?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A bathroom isn\u2019t really the best place because it frequently needs lots of ventilation, even on cold days. Your poinsettia won\u2019t get enough light in a bathroom without a window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is a place in the kitchen or bedroom suitable?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Temperatures in the kitchen or bedroom are often more pleasant for poinsettias than in the living room. One thing remains important: There must be enough light and it shouldn\u2019t be exposed to cold draughts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the kitchen, don\u2019t place your poinsettia next to a bowl of fruit. Certain fruits, such as apples or bananas, emit the ripening gas ethylene, which causes plants to age more quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I put my poinsettia outside?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It depends on the outside temperature. On Tenerife, for example, poinsettias are popular bedding and balcony plants during the festive season. Further north in the UK, this is unthinkable. Temperatures below 12\u00b0C are bad for poinsettias, especially if they are taken outside from a warm indoor room into the cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s different in summer. If you want to continue cultivating your faded poinsettia, place it in a sheltered spot in the garden during the summer months, preferably without direct midday sun. Feel free to take it outside! With the right treatment, it can flower again next winter. Look here if you want to find out more about the right care:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-care-for-your-poinsettia-properly\/\">Poinsettia care: guaranteed to work<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to do if no location is right?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to decorate a spot with poinsettias that isn\u2019t suitable for these plants? No problem. Nobody has to miss out on the magic of a flowering poinsettia, even if they don\u2019t have the right location. Cut poinsettias will brighten up any room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find out more in this blog\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/blog\/live-your-decorative-dreams-using-poinsettias-as-cut-flowers\/\">\u2018Poinsettias as cut flowers\u2019<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you combine poinsettias with other plants?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, they are one of the most popular plants and go wonderfully well with other plants. They can become a real showstopper in your home. Poinsettias pair well with plants that have similar growing conditions \u2013 in other words, they need bright spots without draughts and moderate temperatures between 15 and 22\u00b0C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Foliage plants such as ivy or indoor ferns are a great addition, as they create a lush green base that highlights the colourful bracts of the poinsettia. Marantas (Prayer plant) and mini monstera also like bright locations and do well with the same care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to find out more about poinsettias and get some great ideas to inspire you? Just take a look at these&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/care-tips\/\">care instructions<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/decoration\/\">decorating tips<\/a>&nbsp;and follow us on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/TheChristmasStar\/\">Facebook<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thechristmasstar\/\">Instagram<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.de\/TheChristmasStar\/\">Pinterest<\/a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/MyPoinsettia\">YouTube<\/a>!<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Find the perfect location for your poinsettia! Tips on light, temperature and draughts to ensure your plant stays healthy and beautiful for a long time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":4855,"template":"two-column-blog-single","blog_cat":[65],"blog_main":[50,142,143],"class_list":["post-7621","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","blog_cat-pflege","blog_main-care","blog_main-general-care","blog_main-location"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/7621","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/7621\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8260,"href":"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/7621\/revisions\/8260"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4855"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7621"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"blog_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog_cat?post=7621"},{"taxonomy":"blog_main","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starsforeurope.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog_main?post=7621"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}