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When you are growing poinsettia plants outside, choose a spot with slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Be sure it drains well to avoid root rot. Don’t transplant poinsettia plants outdoors right after Christmas. Once all of the leaves have died back, prune the bushes back to two buds and keep it in a bright location.
Can you leave potted poinsettias outside?
You can keep growing them like a houseplant if you like, but in the spring once the temperatures at night are regularly above 50°F, you can place your poinsettias outside if you want. Choose a spot that gets bright, indirect light (somewhere that gets shade in the afternoon would be perfect).
How do you keep poinsettias alive outside?
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.
How do you take care of a potted poinsettia?
Keep soil moist. Water plant when the soil surface feels dry to a light touch, or pot feels lightweight when lifted. Never allow poinsettias to get so dry that they wilt. Remove from decorative foil or outer pot before watering. Continue watering as needed January through March.
Do poinsettias like sun or shade?
Light: Place your poinsettias in an area where they’ll receive a minimum of six hours of bright (but not direct) sunlight each day. Temperature: These plants prefer temperatures from 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and from 60 to 65 degrees at night.
How long do potted poinsettias live outside?
There is no reason why you can’t grow poinsettias outdoors as landscape plants in warm climates like Florida. But that may not be an option in the Snow Belt, he said. “Home gardeners generally keep their poinsettias one or two years.
Can you replant Christmas poinsettias outside?
Don’t transplant poinsettia plants outdoors right after Christmas. Once all of the leaves have died back, prune the bushes back to two buds and keep it in a bright location. You can start planting poinsettia outdoors after all chance of frost has passed.
What do you do with poinsettias 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.
Why are the leaves falling off my poinsettia?
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 should poinsettias be watered?
Water your poinsettia plant only when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Thoroughly moisten the soil to the point that water is draining from the bottom of the growing pot. Discard any excess water that builds up in the saucer or decorative foil pot cover.
How often do poinsettias need to be watered?
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.
Where do poinsettias grow best?
Plant them in a sunny, well-drained location protected from north winds and frost. The south side of a house or wall is usually a good spot. Make sure the location receives no artificial light at night from flood lights, street lights or porch lights, as this can prevent poinsettias from blooming properly.
Is poinsettia a houseplant?
Yes, you can keep your Christmas poinsettias as houseplants, and you can even get them to bloom again next year.
When should I put my poinsettia in the dark?
To re-flower your poinsettia, you must keep the plant in complete darkness between 5pm and 8am daily from the end of September until color shows in the bracts (early to mid-December). The temperature should remain between 60 and 70 degrees F.
What kind of potting soil do poinsettias need?
Soil. While poinsettias are typically purchased already potted from a garden center or nursery, if you’re planting (or replanting) a poinsettia, choose a well-draining peat-based potting soil for best success.
How many hours of sunlight does a poinsettia need?
Poinsettias need six hours of light daily (fluorescent light will work). Keep your plant away from cold windows, warm or cold drafts from furnaces or air conditioners, and open doors and windows.
What to do with poinsettias after they bloom?
Basically, you want to treat poinsettias like any houseplant: Give them bright light, don’t over-water them and make sure to feed them with a liquid houseplant fertilizer. Once the flower petal leaves fade and fall off the plant, cut back the stems to just below the flowers and allow them to grow back.
Can poinsettias be planted in the ground?
Poinsettias are hardy in zones 9 through 11. Transplant your Poinsettia plants in the ground when night time temperatures don’t drop below 55 degrees F. When you’re ready to plant it in the ground, ind a site with full sun.
