Can you give me tips on keeping my Poinsettias alive?

Every year I get free Poinsettias from my work after we close down for Christmas. I water them and give them sunlight but they always end up dying after a month or two. Other people I work with have made their plants last for years, but they insist that they aren't doing any more than what I am. What's their secret?

Can you give me tips on keeping my Poinsettias alive?
Don't let the soil dry out ever, but make sure it isnt too swampy either.





Be aware of where your heaters for your home are blowing. Poinsettias don't like to be overdried with hot air.





Even if your blooms/leaves fall off, your plant may produce new buds.





And if you want to plant it outside in the spring, you will be amazed at how large these plants get.
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Reply:I'm pasting in some links (there's a lot available on-line) with the first being the source for the below. Temperature when transporting is very important. What kind of sucess you have may have something to do with the quality of the greenhouse it originally came from; many of these plants are basically sold for 1 season. If you follow these tips, you should have a bit of luck.





When transporting your plant, make sure it is wrapped properly because exposure to low temperatures even for a few minutes can damage the bracts and leaves.





Unwrap your poinsettia carefully and place in indirect light. Six hours of light daily is ideal. Keep the plant from touching cold windows.





Keep poinsettias away from warm or cold drafts from radiators, air registers or open doors and windows.





Ideally poinsettias require daytime temperatures of 60 to 70°F and night time temperatures around 55°F. High temperatures will shorten the plant’s life. Move the plant to a cooler room at night, if possible.





Check the soil daily. Be sure to punch holes in foil so water can drain into a saucer. Water when soil is dry. Allow water to drain into the saucer and discard excess water. Wilted plants will tend to drop bracts sooner.





Fertilize the poinsettia if you keep it past the holiday season. Apply a houseplant fertilizer once a month. Do not fertilize when it is in bloom.