How to Care for a Pointsettia Plant

Poinsettias, with their bright red and green leaves, are the centerpieces of many holiday decorating schemes. The plant was first brought to the United States in 1825 by the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Joel Robert Poinsett, according to the Ohio State University Extension. Since then, poinsettias have become a staple of the Christmas season. Caring for a poinsettia is fairly easy as long as you remember that the poinsettia plant cannot tolerate cold temperatures or drafts.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fertilizer

1. Select a poinsettia plant that does not have any green on the bracts. The bracts are the part of the plant that are red. Poinsettia flowers are the central yellow portion of the plant. Plants with green on the bracts may have been shipped before the poinsettia was fully mature.

2. Choose a poinsettia plant with full foliage. Wilted foliage may be the sign of an unhealthy plant. Poinsettia plants should be 2 ½ times taller than the diameter of the container, according to Paul Ecke Ranch.

3. Keep the temperature of your home between 68 to 70 degrees F. Exposing your plant to temperatures below 55 to 60 degrees F can result in root rot. If you must transport the plant in colder weather, protect it by covering the leaves with a large bag.

4. Display the poinsettia in an area that receives indirect sunlight during the day. If you place the plant in a window, make sure that the poinsettia leaves don't touch the cold panes of glass.

5. Water the poinsettia when the soil feels dry. Overwatering or letting the plant rest in water should be avoided, as this can injure the roots due to an insufficient oxygen level. If water collects in the saucer after watering, remove the excess water immediately and replace the dry saucer.

Tips & Warnings

• Poinsettia plants don't have to be thrown out after the holidays. With care, plants can survive all year long and may even bloom again if special procedures are followed. Beginning in October, plants must remain in darkness for 14 hours every night. After Thanksgiving, the plant can remain in its usual spot overnight and blooming may occur shortly after.
• Poinsettia plants should only be fertilized after the blooming season has ended. Use a houseplant fertilizer once every month to keep your plant healthy.
• Too much heat can affect the health of your plant. Avoid placing it near fireplaces, appliances or heating ducts. Exposure to hot bursts of air can cause leaf drop.

References

• Ohio State University Extension
• Paul Ecke Ranch