Flowers should be present in the center of the bracts. After you purchase your plant, do not expose it to chilling temperatures or cold drafts of air. If the temperature outdoors is below 50 o F, don't carry an unwrapped plant from the retail shop to your car. In the home or other place of display, avoid cold drafts and excessive heat from heating ducts, TV sets, or large incandescent lamps. Large plants can be placed on the floor if light is adequate.
Light plays an important role in retention of leaves on the plant.
Place the plant in an area where it receives at least six to eight hours of direct natural or artificial light. A minimum of 75 foot candles is desirable where possible. This would be similar to the minimum light intensity required for good desk lighting in an office. Incandescent lights such as those found in most homes will give a truer, brighter bract color than most types of fluorescent light. Poinsettias can be displayed with other houseplants.