how do i care for my indoor poinsettia

How Do You Take Care of a Poinsettia Indoors?

• Temperature: Poinsettias prefer temperatures between 65-75 degrees, which is often the normal temperature range in most homes. Just take care that they’re not scorched near a fireplace, or chilled by a cold draft or open door.
• Water: Poinsettias like to be kept moist, but not soggy or sitting in water. Aim to water when the soil surface is dry to touch. ...

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How do you take care of a potted poinsettia indoors?

• Place them in the right spot.
• Maintain a room temperature between 65 to 70 degrees.
• Punch holes in the bottom foil cover so that water can drain into a saucer.
• Opt for a newer variety.

Do poinsettias like a lot of Sun?

Yes. Poinsettias are tropical plants and love sunlight. During winter, poinsettias love bright, filtered sunlight. However, to achieve re-blooming, poinsettias must have an 8 to 10 week period of long, dark nights. With the arrival of fall, put a box over your plant or place it in a dark closet every night from around 5PM to 8AM.

Do poinsettias need direct sunlight?

While poinsettias can tolerate many different light conditions, they are happiest in bright, indirect sunlight. They will survive insufficient light, although they won’t attain the best growth in these conditions. Its green leaves will turn yellow or pale due to chlorosis. Your poinsettia can sit in direct sunlight, but for a limited time.

Does Poinsettia need sunlight?

Poinsettias require at least six hours of bright, indirect sunlight per day to thrive. While exposure to the east is preferred, indirect light from a south or west-facing window will suffice. Insufficient light results in leggy growth and defoliation, whereas scorched foliage indicates an excess of light.

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How do you keep a poinsettia alive indoors?

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 long does a poinsettia plant last indoors?

two to three monthsHow Long Do Poinsettias Last? If cared for properly, a potted poinsettia can last for two to three months in your home.

How often should I water my indoor poinsettia?

about once a weekIn 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.

When should I put my poinsettia in the dark?

Fall Care and Re-blooming Phase 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 do you do when a poinsettia loses its leaves?

After about half of the poinsettia's leaves have fallen off, you should gradually start to reduce watering frequency. Your goal is to allow the soil to dry out gradually in preparation for dormancy. The colorful bracts will be the last to fall off. When the soil is completely dry, the plant is now in a dormant state.

Why is my poinsettia dropping leaves?

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.

Do you water poinsettias from top or bottom?

The pots of most poinsettias are set inside decorative pot covers. When watering these plants, carefully remove the poinsettia from the pot covering, water the plant in the sink, then drop the poinsettia back into its pot cover. Both over- and under-watering cause problems for poinsettias.

Can you use ice cubes to water poinsettias?

One helpful trick is to learn how to water poinsettias with ice cubes! With this technique, the ice cube waters the plant slowly and evenly as it melts. At the suggested rate of one ice cube per inch of pot diameter, a typical 6” pot would call for six ice cubes.

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 I get my poinsettia to turn red again?

To make them turn red, you need to restrain exposure to light. As early as September, place it in a room that is exclusively lit up by natural light, and check that it stays in complete darkness for 14 hours on a 24 hour day. Do this for eight weeks!

How do you get a poinsettia to rebloom?

Cut the stems back to about 6 inches and make sure some leaves remain. As new shoots grow, the tips of the stems can be pinched periodically to make the plant bushier. This just involves clipping the very tip of the stem. Water and fertilize the poinsettia to stimulate growth.

Can you keep a poinsettia year round?

Some gardeners are not satisfied with this long season of indoor beauty and attempt to save the plants to re-bloom the following winter. Poinsettias can be kept year after year, and they will bloom each year if you give them proper care.

How do you get a poinsettia to rebloom?

Fertilize with a 20-20-20 product every two weeks. Starting in November, fertilizer with more potassium, like 15-15-30, will help promote flower formation. After the darkness treatment, care for your plant as described earlier in this leaflet (while in bloom).

Do poinsettias come back every year?

Some gardeners are not satisfied with this long season of indoor beauty and attempt to save the plants to re-bloom the following winter. Poinsettias can be kept year after year, and they will bloom each year if you give them proper care.

How long do poinsettias last after Christmas?

2 to 3 monthsWhat should I do with my poinsettia after the holidays? 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.

How do you take care of a poinsettia after Christmas?

Increase humidity by spraying gently with water every few days. This will help keep the leaves and bracts in tip-top condition. Dust the leaves as and when you need to. After Christmas, start feeding your poinsettia with a liquid plant food that's high in potassium, such as tomato food.

When You First Bring Your Poinsettia Home

Light - Place it near a sunny window. South, east or west facing windows are preferable to a north facing window. Poinsettias are tropicals and wil...

The Bottom Line on Poinsettia's Being Poisonous

For years poinsettias have had the bad reputation of being poisonous. They certainly are not meant to be eaten by humans, pets, or livestock and in...

You Should Still Use Caution When Handling Poinsettias

A more likely problem to watch out for is contact dermatitis. Euphorbias, the plant family that includes poinsettias, exude a milky sap when broken...

Holiday Poinsettia Plant Care

Poinsettia care begins with proper light, water, and temperature conditions. During the holidays, while in full bloom, they typically enjoy semi-co...

Fertilizing Poinsettia Plants

Fertilizing poinsettia plants is never recommended while they’re still in bloom. Fertilize poinsettias only if keeping them after the holiday seaso...

Poinsettia Care After The Holidays

In spring, return the plant to a sunny area and water well. Cut back all canes (branches) to about 6 inches from the pot’s rim. It may also be a go...

Poinsettia Plant Leaves Are Falling Off

It’s important to pinpoint the possible cause in the event that your poinsettia plant leaves are falling off, as in some cases, this can be easily...

How to care for a poinsettia plant?

In order to encourage blooming, poinsettia plants require long periods of darkness at night ( about 12 hours). Therefore, move the poinsettia to a location where it will not receive any nighttime light or cover it with a box. Allow plenty of light during the day so the plant can absorb enough energy for flowering. Warmer days (65-70 F./18-21 C.) and cooler nights (55-60 F./13-16 C.) are also recommended. Provide semi-cool, humid locations in bright, indirect light with plenty of moisture once blooming occurs.

How long do poinsettias last after Christmas?

However, with proper care, your holiday poinsettia should continue to put out blooms, or in the least remain attractive for weeks after.

How to keep poinsettias dry?

For those choosing to continue with poinsettia care, decrease regular watering to allow the plant to dry out some.

Why are my poinsettias' leaves falling off?

It’s important to pinpoint the possible cause in the event that your poinsettia plant leaves are falling off, as in some cases, this can be easily fixed. Environmental factors such as warm, dry conditions are most often the reason for leaf drop. Stress can also be a factor.

Can you repot a poinsettia?

It may also be a good idea to repot the poinsettia using the same type of soil. 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. Either way is fine.

Do poinsettias need to be watered?

During the holidays, while in full bloom, they typically enjoy semi-cool, humid locations in bright, indirect light with plenty of moisture. Poinsettia plants should be watered thoroughly, taking care not to drown them by ensuring adequate drainage is available.

How to get moisture out of poinsettias?

Remove the foil wrapper that many poinsettias come with, or at least poke holes in the foil wrapper to allow excess moisture to drain out of the plant’s container. Place the poinsettia’s container on a tray or saucer to catch any moisture that drips from the drainage holes.

What temperature do poinsettias need to be to survive?

Cold damage occurs when poinsettias are exposed to temperatures of 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 .22 degrees Celsius) or below. Temperatures higher than the ideal range can result in a shorter lifespan for your poinsettia.

Can you leave poinsettias outside?

Remember to bring the poinsettias back indoors as soon as you can once they’ve served their purpose. Your poinsettias should never remain outdoors overnight. Check the moisture level of the soil where your poinsettia is growing each day.

Is it hard to care for poinsettias?

ANSWER: Don’t feel too bad. Poinsettias are no toriously hard to care for as a houseplant. But there are plenty of things you can do to keep it looking healthy for the duration of the holiday season.

Poinsettia Care

Poinsettia flowers make a great addition to any holiday decorations. They grow in many climates across the US and can be grown outdoors or indoors. They are easy to care for and come in various colors.

Propagating Poinsettia

The best way to propagate Poinsettias is to take stem cuttings from the plant. To do this:

Potting and Repotting Poinsettia

The Poinsettia can be potted in a loam-based soil mix with some perlite since it has good drainage properties. Before potting, make sure to drill a hole in the bottom of the pot to be on the safe side. These plants are deathly afraid of root rot, and any overwatering or stagnant water will do that to them.

Toxicity

Poinsettias ( Euphorbia pulcherrima) contain a milky white irritant sap that can cause skin irritation if it contacts the skin of sensitive individuals (those allergic to latex). When ingested, these plants may lead to an upset stomach with vomiting and diarrhea.

Common Pests

Poinsettia plants can be susceptible to several pests, including aphids, mealybugs, soft scales, whiteflies, and spider mites. Indoors, these are seldom a problem. But for the rare occasions when infestations occur, use insecticide or rubbing alcohol, depending on the severity.

Common Problems

Sometimes this happens due to age. But to be safe, move your plant somewhere with more sunlight. And decrease the temperature slightly if it’s above the recommended range.

Why are my poinsettias turning yellow?

Overwatering leads to yellow leaves, while underwatering causes leaves to wilt and drop. Water your poinsettia whenever the surface of its potting mix grows dry to the touch. (Most mixes lighten in color as they start to dry out.) Always dump excess water from the plant's cachepot, saucer or decorative foil covering.

How do poinsettias get their color?

Poinsettias get their color from modified leaves known as bracts.

What color are poinsettias in autumn?

Then longer autumn nights trigger flowering and color changes. Poinsettia color occurs as modified leaves, known as bracts, shift from green to holiday hues. Your poinsettia's tiny yellow true flowers lie at the center of the brilliant "blooms.". For the best poinsettia color, take your cue from professional growers.

What is the best potting mix for a plant?

Heavy, soggy soil leads to root rot and other diseases, so choose a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter such as peat moss. This helps retain moisture but still allows excess water to drain freely.

Where do poinsettias grow?

Poinsettia origins provide great clues about where poinsettias grow best. These tropical "Christmas flowers" are native to Mexico and Guatemala. 1 They flourish with bright light and warm temperatures. Give your poinsettia a warm, draft-free spot with bright light. Typical household temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal.

Do poinsettias bloom all year round?

For most Americans, poinsettias are synonymous with Christmas. When the holidays arrive, these bright, colorful plants are everywhere you turn. But did you know that your poinsettias don't have to disappear alongside the rest of the holiday decorations? With a little attention to these poinsettia care basics, you can enjoy poinsettias year-round and showcase their brilliant colors again next year:

Do wild poinsettias grow in the wild?

In their natural environment, wild poinsettias are large, lanky shrubs, not the compact beauties plant nurseries grow. Timely pruning throughout the growing season helps keep your poinsettia looking its best.

What Are Poinsettias?

Poinsettias ( Euphorbia pulcherrima) are a popular plant for the Christmas holiday. You can find these potted plants at florists and garden centers in shades of bright red during the holiday season. Poinsettias feature bracts, which are modified colored leaves that also come in yellow, white, and pink varieties. If you receive a poinsettia as a holiday gift, with proper care, the plant can outlive the Christmas tree and rebloom the following winter.

How to grow poinsettias in a container?

As the poinsettia grows new shoots, fertilize the plant with an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer. Repot the plant in warmer months . In June, prune the plant back until it’s six inches tall, and repot the plant into a slightly larger container.

How to keep poinsettias from turning yellow?

Ensure the water runs through the soil to the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot, and pour off any excess water. Overwatering will cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off and can lead to root rot. Moderate the growing temperature. Keep poinsettias in a space with a temperature of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

How many hours of darkness do poinsettias need?

In the fall, transport the poinsettias to a warm place where they can get 14 to 15 hours of complete darkness every day.

How much sunlight do poinsettias need?

Poinsettias need six to eight hours of indirect sunlight a day. You can place them near a sunny window, but do not expose the plants to cold drafts. Water poinsettias when the surface of the soil feels dry.

Do poinsettias rebloom?

Poinsettias are a popular holiday plant. With proper care, the festive plants can rebloom the following year.

Can you move a poinsettia outside?

Transport your plant outdoors. Though poinsettias are usually displayed as indoor plants, over the summer, as the temperatures are warm all day and all night, you can also move the plant outside.

How to keep poinsettias from growing in pots?

So, when you bring your poinsettia indoors after its spring and summer sojourn in the flower bed, be sure to transfer it into a larger planter. Repotting keeps the plant from becoming root-bound. Choose a new pot about two inches wider and an inch or two deeper than your current pot to give your poinsettia’s roots room to spread out during the coming fall growing season and help stimulate foliage growth and bloom production.

What color should a poinsettia be?

When shopping for a poinsettia, choose a stocky plant with dense foliage that’s deep green in color, and pass on plants with yellowing or dropped leaves. The colorful flowers, called bracts, should be firm with little or no pollen visible in the center.

Can you put poinsettias in a cellophane cone?

Some stores sell poinsettias in cellophane cones that will protect the plant from wind damage, but if it’s bitterly cold outside, the bracts and leaves could still suffer. Ask for a larger bag to put over the top of your plant to protect it on the trip to the car and into your home.

Can poinsettias cause diarrhea?

While scare stories link the plants to pet poisoning, the milky sap of the poinsettia actually contains low-toxicity chemicals that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and itchiness if a pet eats a large amount. Even though the risk is pretty low, don’t chance it. Keep your plant away from Fluffy or Fido.

Can you soak poinsettias before watering?

Sure, soaking your poinsettia’s soil is the best way to quench its thirst, but be sure to pull off the shiny foil wrapper that came tucked around the pot before you water it. Though pretty, this wrapping prevents the water from draining out, leaving the poinsettia’s soil saturated and roots soggy. Waterlogged roots stress the plant and can lead to leaf-dropping—or worse, a short life.

Can a poinsettia plant survive in the cold?

Any leaves that press against an icy window after you position the plant in your home will perish, and the chill could even affect the health of the poinsettia as a whole. Prevent an untimely demise by setting your poinsettia safely on a table in front of a window rather than on a windowsill.

How long does it take for a poinsettia to bloom?

Begin keeping your poinsettia in complete darkness for about 12-14 hours from the first part of October until Thanksgiving – or an 8- to 10-week period.

How to stop dark period on a sage plant?

Simply stick it in a closet or cover with a large box every evening and then return the plant to its sunny window during the remainder part of the day . By Thanksgiving, you should be able to stop the dark period altogether, placing the plant in a sunny area for at least six hours daily. Reduce water and fertilizer.

Do poinsettias bloom again after Christmas?

Then, by Christmas, your blooming poinsettia, hopefully, will be the centerpiece of holiday decor and ready to begin the cycle anew. While there’s no guarantee that your poinsettia will bloom again even with the best care, it’s certainly worth a try. Remember, though, that foliage is pretty too. Caring for poinsettia plants after Christmas is ...

How to grow poinsettias in July?

July: Begin pinching back each stem about one inch. This is done with your hands and forces the plant to grow new stems and prevents it from growing too tall and lanky. August: Continue pinching new stems and leaving three to four leaves on each branch. By mid-August, bring your poinsettia plant back inside.

How to keep poinsettias blooming?

To maintain your poinsettia bloom, keep temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to protect them from dramatic temperature drops as this will cause their leaves to prematurely wilt. For best results, keep your poinsettia in a warm room and mist it daily.

What is the color of poinsettias?

Poinsettias come in a range of colors from white to orange, but are most popular in their red variety. The poinsettia plant is native to Central America where it was used by the Aztecs for decorative ...

Where did the poinsettia plant come from?

The poinsettia plant is native to Central America where it was used by the Aztecs for decorative and medicinal purposes. Today the poinsettia serves as a decorative element everywhere from beautiful churches to the porches of homes. In order to keep its bright and cheery appearance, the poinsettia must be given proper care.

Can you rebloom a poinsettia after Christmas?

How to Rebloom Poinsettias After Christmas. Re-blooming a plant is never easy and re-blooming a poinsettia plant is no exception. While this can be done, it requires greenhouse-like conditions with hands-on care. Do not worry if you are unable to get your poinsettia to rebloom your first time.

When do poinsettias grow?

Poinsettia plants grow best during the winter months, which is why they are the most popular potted plant during the holidays. And, with good care, a poinsettia plant can maintain its beauty for much longer than the Christmas season. Since poinsettia plants are from the tropics, they prefer surroundings that simulate that type of environment. Here are some tips on how to keep your poinsettia beautiful year-round.

When to stop fertilizing a plant?

During this time, you can stop putting your plant in complete darkness and just keep it in the well-lit window. December: About mid-December, you can stop fertilizing your plant.