Can poinsettia plants survive cold weather?

Poinsettia plants are not suited for cold weather unless they are kept indoors during cool weather. The plant can be damaged by temperatures below 50 degrees.

The poinsettia plant is native to Central America. In its natural climate, it sometimes grows to over 10 feet and looks more like a bush or shrub. The plant that many relate to Christmas has been bred over the years to be smaller and more pot friendly than it's naturally occurring counterpart. To keep a poinsettia alive, one must keep it indoors and only place it outside once any chance of frost or cool weather has passed.