How to Care for Potted Poinsettia Plants
Poinsettias serve as a great gift during the holiday season. These native Mexican plants bloom during the wintertime and display bright leaves ranging from scarlet red to a delicate cream color. Unfortunately, most people think that the poinsettia naturally expires after one blooming season; in fact, with the proper care, the poinsettia can survive for several years. Poinsettias generally sell for a short six-week period during the holidays, so remember to pick one up before it is too late. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Set your poinsettia plant where it will receive partial light. The heat of the direct sun can lower the life expectancy of your poinsettia. According to David Trinklein and Ray Rothenberger of the Department of Horticulture at the University of Missouri Extension, the poinsettia plant's ideal environments stay at a temperature of 65 to 70 degrees F. The temperature of their environment needs to stay consistent throughout the day for the best results.
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Water your plant regularly. Keep the soil moist, but not soaked. Too much water can create root rot, so the pot should be well-draining. If the poinsettia plant begins to wilt, it is a good sign that the plant is not getting enough water; up the water dosage during your scheduled watering times. Check the soil regularly to ensure the soil has not become too dry for the plant.
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Cut back the growths of the poinsettia in late March or early April, leaving 5 to 6 inches from the main stem. Continue to prune away any new growths throughout the summer until mid-August. After mid-August, let the plant grow. This is also an opportune time to fertilize the poinsettia and use insecticides to prevent an infestation.
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Place to poinsettia plants outside once the fear of frost is gone. Remember, the poinsettia plant needs to remain out of direct sunlight. Move the plant back into the house if you are expecting extremely hot or cold temperatures. The plant should also come back in your home for an extended period during the winter months.
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Move your poinsettia to a completely dark location each night starting September 21st. If you do not have a dark room for the plants, cover the poinsettia with a dark plastic bag for 12 hours out of the day or set it into a large box where it can avoid sunlight. This allows the blooms to grow. Even the smallest amount of light during the nighttime hours can prevent blooms from growing. Continue this practice until the blooming season is over. Remember to put them near a well-lit window during the daylight hours, though.
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Tips & Warnings
Always thoroughly read and follow the instructions listed on the container for any insecticides. Failure to do so could lead to serious health complications for you or others.
