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Though they are popular as holiday plants, remember that poinsettias have tropical origins. To keep them happy throughout the season, place them in bright, indirect light. Water them regularly so that the soil stays evenly moist; if the surface of the soil is dry to the touch, it’s time for a drink.
How do you care for a poinsettia plant indoors?
Place potted poinsettias indoors in indirect light. Six hours or more of light (natural or fluorescent) is best. Keep them comfortable, ideally between 65 and 75 degrees, day or night. Lower temperatures will make them drop leaves almost immediately and shut down.
How do you keep a potted poinsettia alive?
Poinsettias like plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. They are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so don’t place them directly in the sun, next to a heater or near a drafty window. A daytime temperature between 65 and 80 degrees and nights around 60 degrees will provide perfect conditions for continued growth.
Why are the leaves on my poinsettia falling off?
Poinsettias will classically drop their leaves if they are exposed to sudden changes in temperature, drafts or overly cool or dry rooms. They also will lose leaves and wilt in response to an extreme need for water. When choosing a plant, pick a healthy, full one with no discoloration on the foliage.
How long do potted poinsettias last?
Answer: If given good care in the home, poinsettias should remain attractive for 2 to 3 months. Toss the poinsettia when you grow tired of it or it becomes unattractive. For those home gardeners who enjoy a challenge, it is possible to get the poinsettia to bloom again next season.
Do I water a poinsettia from the top or bottom?
Answer: The key to watering a poinsettia is the moisture content of the potting soil. Check the potting soil daily with your finger. When the soil surface becomes dry to the touch, water the plant until water begins to flow out the bottom of the pot.
How often do I water a poinsettia plant?
In your home, put the poinsettia in a well lighted area away from drafts and heat vents. Water the poinsettia when the pot becomes lightweight or when the soil becomes dry to the touch, about once a week. Water the plant thoroughly in a sink, letting it drain, before putting it back where it was.
Are poinsettias indoor plants?
While poinsettias can be kept indoors throughout summer, many people choose to move them outdoors in a sunny, but protected, area of the flower garden by sinking the pot into the ground. Once nights become longer in fall, bring the poinsettia indoors.
Can you keep a poinsettia alive all year?
Poinsettias can be kept year after year, and they will bloom each year if you give them proper care. When the leaves begin to yellow or when the plant is no longer desired as an ornamental, gradually withhold water. After all the leaves have fallen, store the plant, in its pot, in a cool (50 to 60°F), dry, dark area.
Can I plant my poinsettia outside?
Poinsettias aren’t popular only at Christmas time. With the right care, these traditional holiday plants can shed their shiny foil and bows to become long-lasting houseplants. You can also grow them outdoors in your garden if you live in a frost-free area.
How do you save a dying poinsettia?
How to Revive a Wilted Poinsettia Move the poinsettia to an area out of direct air currents or draughts. Whilst the poinsettia is wilted ensure that it is not in any direct light. Use a spray to mist the plant. Place the poinsettia in a basin of water for 10 minutes. Water your poinsettia more often.
How long can you keep a poinsettia alive?
It will depend on how well you follow the tips above, but on average a well-cared for poinsettia should last 4-6 weeks until the flowers start to fall off. Remember, poinsettias like the warmth of centrally heated homes but they should be kept away from direct heat, as well as from drafty windows and doors.
How do you know when a poinsettia is dying?
A • A Poinsettia that is wilting is either too hot, too wet, or too dry. Poinsettias need to be constantly moist and will visibly wilt if allowed to become too dry. Feel the soil. If dry, water thoroughly, and it will quickly revive, but some leaves will be shed as a result.
Do poinsettias need direct sunlight?
Poinsettias need a minimum of six hours of indirect sunlight each day. Protect the plants from freezing temperatures, especially when transporting them. Place them in a light-filled room away from drafts. They do best in rooms between 55 and 65 F at night and 65 to 70 F during the day.
Do poinsettias like to be misted?
Do I need to mist poinsettia plants? Because poinsettias originate in the hot climate of Mexico, they do enjoy a little humidity now and then which can be achieved with misting or using a pebble tray.
How do you take care of a poinsettia after Christmas?
Place your poinsettias where they will receive at least 6 hours of indirect, but bright, sunlight each day. In mid-April pinch back the stems to 6-8 inches and place the plants in a sunny location. When new growth begins, you may use a liquid fertilizer to ensure the plants get enough minerals, especially calcium.
Can you use ice cubes to water poinsettias?
The second best option is to use the ice cube trick. If you can water the poinsettia well once per week, placing 6-8 ice cubes in the container every day will do a good job of keeping the soil adequately moist.
What happens if you overwater a poinsettia?
Be careful not to overwater your poinsettia. Soggy soil can lead to root rot and other complications that can easily kill the plant. Make sure that the pot has holes on the bottom for drainage.
Do poinsettias clean air?
Poinsettias Are Clean Air Houseplants All in all, the poinsettia is a safe plant and is on the top of the list of most helpful clean air houseplants. These plants are an excellent addition to your house since they’re able to clean the air and look good while doing it. This leads to cleaner air with fewer pollutants.
What does a poinsettia symbolize?
While considered by the ancient Aztecs to be symbols of purity, in today’s language of flowers, red, white or pink poinsettias, the December birth flower, symbolize good cheer and success and are said to bring wishes of mirth and celebration.
Is poinsettia good for bedroom?
So, not only is the poinsettia a safe and beautiful addition to your holiday decor, it can even help keep your indoor air clean! Now that’s a good roommate! HOLIDAY POINSETTIA PLANT CARE Poinsettia care begins with proper light, water, and temperature conditions.
Do I need to cut back my poinsettia?
Poinsettias (both potted and in the ground) should be pruned twice a year, first in the spring and again in late summer. Remembering the “A” months is a helpful tip, April and August. For the first pruning in spring (April), remove all foliage and cut all branches back to 4-6″ of height.
Do poinsettias rebloom?
Teaches Gardening. Poinsettias are a popular holiday plant. With proper care, the festive plants can rebloom the following year.
Can poinsettias live outside in the winter?
Answer: Both the Christmas cactus and the poinsettia are not hardy outdoors and will freeze if planted outside. They should remain in their pots and not be planted outdoors in the garden if you live where it freezes in the winter. Poinsettias can become rather large and need a large pot.
