How to prune poinsettia

Late spring (April–May) after bracts fade; optional shaping cut in late August. Cut each stem back to 4–6 inches above the soil using clean, sharp scissors or pruners; wear gloves as the milky sap is irritating. A second light pinch in late August keeps growth compact before the short-day dark cycle begins.

Annually (twice per season: hard cut in spring, light shaping in late summer). Poinsettia benefits from pruning to stay bushy and rebloom. Cut stems back hard (to about 4–6 inches) in late spring after the bracts fade. A second light trim in late summer shapes the plant before initiating short-day darkness treatment for holiday colour. Without pruning it becomes leggy and rarely reblooms well indoors.

Cut each stem back to 4–6 inches above the soil using clean, sharp scissors or pruners; wear gloves as the milky sap is irritating. A second light pinch in late August keeps growth compact before the short-day dark cycle begins.