The poinsettia is a popular plant during the holiday season. It is known for its vibrant red and green leaves, which can add a touch of festive cheer to any room. However, poinsettias can be tricky to care for, and many people end up killing them within a few weeks of getting them home. The pleasing news is that caring for poinsettia plants after the holidays is feasible; however, keep in mind that your poinsettias will need special care afterward. In this guide, we will teach you how to properly care for your poinsettia so that it lasts well into the new year!
Poinsettia: How To Care For It?
- Do not overwater your poinsettia; allow the soil to dry out between waterings:
Water it as usual until the spring (April), then let it dry off gradually. Repot your plant in a bigger container with fresh, sterile potting mix around the middle of April or May, or when it becomes leggy. Before repotting, be sure to trim the stems back to around 4 inches above the ground. You can also remove any discolored or dried elements from the plant at any time.
After you’ve thoroughly watered the plant, place it in a bright window again. Examine the plant every now and then to ensure that it has enough moisture. When the top of the soil is dry to the touch, only then should you water it again.
Feed your poinsettia with an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer every couple of weeks at the suggested amount when new growth begins.
- -Make sure your poinsettia is in a cool, draft-free room; temperatures that are too hot or too cold can damage the plant:
The poinsettia plant needs day temperatures between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius (65 and 70 F.) with somewhat cooler at night, but keep it above 15 degrees Celsius. (60 F.) to avoid leaf drops and for continual bloom throughout the holidays.
Poinsettia How to Care In The Summer:
In the early part of the summer, when nighttime temperatures are more than 10 degrees Celsius or 50 F., you may bring it outside in a partially shady location. Allow the plant to obtain more light until it is completely exposed to sunshine. Continue watering and fertilizing the plant as needed.
In the summer, trim it again if required by removing around 2.5 centimeters of growth from each stem. Give it a trim once more in early September. Trim 5-7.6 centimeters off the base to encourage side branching, allowing three or four leaves on each stem.
Poinsettia How to Care In The Fall:
It should be cold enough outside by late September (12-15 degrees Celsius or 55-60 F) to bring the plant inside near a bright window. Continue your efforts to maintain the same indoor temperatures (between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius or 65 and 70 F). Water and fertilize as needed.
To get it to bloom again during Christmas times, you will need to do the followings:
During the first part of October, keep your poinsettia in complete darkness for around 12-14 hours each night (8 to 10 week period). Place it in a dark room or hide it under a large box at night, then restore the plant to its bright window during the day’s remainder.
- The poinsettia needs plenty of sunlight. Place it in a spot where it will get at least six hours of direct sunlight per day:
After the 8 to 10 week period, you can stop placing the plant in the dark place, and place it instead in an area that gets at least six hours a day. Reduce the amount of water and fertilizer you use. By Christmas, hopefully, your poinsettia will be the most beautiful holiday decor and ready to start this same cycle once again.
Now that you have the knowledge about poinsettia and how to care for it, you can keep your poinsettia healthy and beautiful for many months to come! Enjoy your holiday and Happy GardeningME
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