Only water Poinsettias when the soil feels dry to the touch and to avoid root rot, do not let the pot stand in water. It’s a Christmas miracle! Poinsettias … Photoperiodism is common with other short-bloom plants like Poinsettias. Knowing how to take care of a poinsettia plant can mean years of growth and blooming. However, cold drafts, allowing the leaves to touch a cold window, or more importantly, lack of decent light, can injure the leaves and cause premature leaf drop. Surprisingly, these plants with the large, smooth colored leaves are Euphorbias which means they’re succulents. So it’s possible if all the factors are right and they’re properly maintained. Poinsettia care begins with proper light, water, and temperature conditions. An indication that they’re wilting is when you see that the leaves haven’t yellowed. I love Poinsettias and always have a few in my home during the holiday season to brighten things up. Here's how: By early April, when the colored bracts begin to turn or fall, cut the plant back leaving 4 to 6 buds. Your email address will not be published. I hope these Poinsettia plant care tips help keep yours looking good and help make your holiday even more festive! Check on your poinsettia once a month. […], […] see 1 in the video growing just down the street from me which is just starting to change color. It is native to Mexico and Central America. You need to find that happy in between when it comes to watering – not too wet and not too dry. Poinsettias are the subject of an excellent legend which ties them to the Christmas season, aside from their red and green hues. Carefully. When spring arrives, you can move your plant to the great outdoors. Poinsettia plants should be watered thoroughly, taking care not to drown them by ensuring adequate drainage is available. Placing it near a sunny east or west facing window is ideal. This often happens because people don’t take off the foil or take them out of the decorative pots when watering. To avoid this, don’t let your Poinsettia plants sit in any water. This can be done once a month until the middle of August. In this way, the poinsettia will enter those months of “rest it needs”. Therefore, move the poinsettia to a location where it will not receive any nighttime light or cover it with a box. Outdoors, the poinsettia can grow tall and leggy, so trim it back to shape it like a bush. 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. Fertilize poinsettias only if keeping them after the holiday season. This means the water can’t drain out of the bottom of the pots, the roots stay too wet and your beautiful Christmas plants can die. You want to take your Poinsettias out of the foil (or decorative pot) so you can give it a good drink. For those choosing to continue with poinsettia care, decrease regular watering to allow the plant to dry out some. (Dropping pollen means it’s near the end of blooming). Poinsettia plants should be watered thoroughly, taking care not to drown them by ensuring adequate drainage is available. Water the soil thoroughly and let it all drain out before placing it back them back in the decorative containers. From about September through November light becomes crucial in poinsettia plant care. Follow these tips to keep them looking healthy throughout the holiday season! However, if your pets like to chew on plants, it’s best to display your Poinsettias where they can’t have at them. It didn’t have a lot of foliage but started turning red in Nov. By Christmas it was covered in red. Also, relocate the poinsettia plant to a cool, dark area until spring or around April. Cut back all canes (branches) to about 6 inches from the pot’s rim. Warmer days (65-70 F./18-21 C.) and cooler nights (55-60 F./13-16 C.) are also recommended. How to care for a Poinsettia: They don’t like a temperature below 45 but can tolerate a very light frost. The day time temperatures in excess of … Conversely, if you keep your Poinsettias too wet, they’ll also lose their lower leaves. Poinsettia is a heavy feeder. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. © 2021 Joy Us Garden | Care, Propagation, and Pruning About | Contact | PRIVACY POLICYDesign By Viva la Violet, Mother Nature Inspired Christmas Ornaments, « Sweetheart Hoya: How To Care For A Hoya Kerrii. They should still be intact and just opening or partially open. Trim off the leaves on each poinsettia stem once the plant finishes blooming in March, leaving just three to four leaves on each stem. December 12th is National Poinsettia Day so pick up a few and to help celebrate this festive time of year. 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. Oh, I love to create so you’ll find a bit of that in the mix along with lots of videos too. Product Overview. Everything You Need To Know About Poinsettia Plant Care Dropping the temperature to about 60 F at night will not hurt the plant. note: this post was originally published on 11/17/205. Please be prepared to provide your order number and email address, or your rewards number, so that we may better assist you. Buying Poinsettias. Poinsettia & Pinecone Bush. Fertilizing poinsettia plants is never recommended while they’re still in bloom. In spring, return the plant to a sunny area and water well. Look for crisp, brightly colored, undamaged bracts (leaves). By the way, Poinsettias emit a white, milky sap (just like the Pencil Cactus & other Euphorbias). Poinsettia plants need 14 hours of darkness per day for about 6 weeks to from their beautiful color. They’re happily grown in climate-controlled greenhouses. A healthy, fresh Poinsettia plant will last longer. This is good news indeed if you have pets and are worried about them being in close proximity to these festive Christmas plants. How do you take care of poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima)? The poinsettia plant has come to represent the holiday season in much of the world. Don’t transplant poinsettia plants outdoors right after Christmas. holiday poinsettia should continue to put out blooms, Poinsettia Care Following Christmas: What To Do With Poinsettias After Holidays, Types Of Poinsettia Plants: Choosing Different Poinsettia Varieties, Transplanting Poinsettia Plants: Can You Transplant Poinsettias Outside, Gardening In The New Year: Monthly Resolutions For The Garden, Symmetry In Landscaping – Learn About Balanced Plant Placement, Mulching With Oyster Shells: How Crushed Oyster Shells Help Plants, Repotting Houseplants: How To Repot A Houseplant, Flowers On Christmas Cacti: How To Make A Christmas Cactus Bloom, Christmas Tree Care: Caring For A Live Christmas Tree In Your Home, How To Make Poinsettia Turn Red – Make A Poinsettia Rebloom, Cut Flower Gardening: Growing Flowers For Others, Pieces Of Garden Wisdom – Gardening Tips For Beginners, Garden Renovation: Giving Life To Neglected Garden Beds, Ordering Plants: Planning The Spring Garden Begins In Winter. It derives its common English name from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico, who is credited with introducing the plant to the US in the 1820s. Your poinsettia plant should have a rounded shape, with dense and compact growth. Unlike a Pencil Cactus which is also a Euphorbia, you don’t want your Poinsettias to dry out. Here’s a post to help you Pick Out The Perfect Poinsettia and make it last. The plants should be exposed to light and air as soon as possible. During the holidays, while in full bloom, they typically enjoy semi-cool, humid locations in bright, indirect light with plenty of moisture. It can be tricky to find that balance but do your best. 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. Available from florists in a variety of sizes, an average height for potted poinsettia plants is perhaps about two feet (not counting the container). Joy Us Garden | Care, Propagation, and Pruning. If you see a bunch of leaves on the surface of the soil, it could […], […] yours isn’t blooming again, you can force it to. Poinsettias are Succulents and like as much bright, natural light as you can give them. Poinsettias can be tricky to maintain indoors even for a few weeks. In Feb. or March, I recall. If all else fails, the plant may need to be discarded. Poinsettias are sub-tropical plants and therefore wither if the night temperature falls below 10 degrees C (50 degrees F). Apply fertilizer every two weeks or once monthly using a complete houseplant fertilizer. This means that they require about 14 hours of darkness to […], Your email address will not be published. Thank you for helping us spread the word & make the world a more beautiful place! They usually come wrapped in foil so peel it back if you can to examine the plant. No yellowed foliage or dropped foliage. i love pointsetas , all plants really i raise a poinsettia that bloom in the summer my friends were amazes they raise them in Puerto rico. Taking care of the poinsettia plant you get is important to prolonging the … Allow plenty of light during the day so the plant can absorb enough energy for flowering. Poinsettia, well-known member of the spurge family commonly sold as a Christmas ornamental. Poinsettia is a plant of the genus Euphorbia that belongs to family Euphorbiaceae, naturally growing in the tropics of Mexico and Central America. It is many years old and he plants it out in the garden every summer and cuts it back and brings it inside in the winter. How far down should it be pruned and when? Just don't let the leaves of the plant touch any cold window panes as this can cause them to freeze and fall off. These finicky short-day plants require specific growing needs in order to retain their Christmas blooms. The ideal plant size is about 2½ times the pot’s diameter. Poinsettia needs is to be transferred to the soil in your garden and grow outside, where it forms huge tree-shaped shrubs over the years. Poinsettia is a plant that can be kept all year round. Keep the plant in a cool, draft-free area and provide plenty of water. The plants should have lots of colored leaves (technically called bracts) with small yellow flowers in the center. The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a commercially important plant species of the diverse spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). The red and green foliage makes it fitting for Christmas decor, don’t you think? It’s hard to give a time schedule but as (very) general rule, water your Poinsettias about once a week. However, if you think you can keep it in the same pot as you bought it, that will not be possible. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ab087de59b0ada51e1b11da12ff5050c" );document.getElementById("hb2dfb1ce4").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi, I’m Nell, and this is where I celebrate all things garden and share my passion for plants, flowers and the great outdoors. Until recently, I didn’t even think of keeping one after it “died.” Then I learned poinsettia plant care can mean years of growth and blooming. During the holidays, while in full bloom, they typically enjoy semi-cool, humid locations in bright, indirect light with plenty of moisture. Your poinsettia needs about 8 hours of sunlight. Likewise, avoid letting them sit in water-filled saucers, which can lead to root rot. With proper poinsettia plant care, they will give you many years of beauty. Your cost for the products will be no higher but Joy Us garden receives a small commission. Step 2 Trim off the top of each stem when they are 4 to 6 inches long in summer. Kalanchoes are photoperiodic (Like poinsettias) which means they react to equal periods of light and dark exposure. After new growth has reached between 6 to 10 inches, pinch out the tips to encourage branching. Spring And Summer Poinsettia Care. Be sure it drains well to avoid root rot . These plants are photoperiodic. Near a sunny window, but not in it, would be fine. POINSETTIA CARE TIPS. Stress can also be a factor. Once all of the leaves have died back, prune the bushes back to two buds and keep it in a bright location. Poinsettias are the most popular plant sold here in the US with almost 50 million pots sold last year. As with all pruning questions, how you prune it depends on what you want to achieve. I’ve kept 1 looking good for almost 2 months! Environmental factors such as warm, dry conditions are most often the reason for leaf drop. They bring us cheer during the winter holiday season. Poinsettia plant is an evergreen shrub, reaching a height of 13 ft in its habitat, outside its natural environment it is a bush of 12-20 inches in height. But if you'd like to try, here are a few tips. To keep them happy throughout the season, place them in bright, indirect light. Plants can be planted into the ground, but you will need to dig them back up in late summer. The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a perennial plant that announces the approaching holidays with colorful bracts. You’ll want to check it out: Poinsettia plants like it on the warmer (not hot) side during the day and cooler at night. If you want to treat poinsettia flowers as annuals, you can grow them outside for a bit of extra greenery. Just make sure they’re not sitting in a hot or cold window touching the glass. This was once considered toxic. If kept too dry, they’ll lose their lower leaves and start to shrivel. Be sure to wear protective gloves when pruning, as the branches can ooze a … Poinsettia flowers are small, green or yellow, and grow inconspicuously in the center of each leaf bunch. Imagine the kind of holiday cheer a 15 foot poinsettia bush can bring when its outer bracts turn bright, Rudolph the reindeer-nose red. Poinsettia care begins with proper light, water, and temperature conditions. Then, they’re foiled and sleeved so they can be sent out on trucks to their retail destinations across the country. It was updated & republished on 11/5/2020. Their big, showy colored leaves always put a big ole smile on my face […], […] the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley (land of the wine country cult movie Sideways) last week filming a poinsettia care video in a grower’s greenhouses. The warmer you keep your house, the faster your Poinsettia flowers will open up. It is possible to get Poinsettia plant to survive after Christmas. Everything I’ve recently read now points to fact that this sap is much less toxic than originally thought. The colorful bracts will last 4-6 weeks, but the plant itself can live for many years with proper care. The poinsettia plant has come to represent the holiday season in much of the world. When the leaves have fallen and it loses its bracts, cut the branches leaving stems of between 2” – 4” (5-10 cm), with disinfected and very sharp pruning shears, in diagonal cuts. They used to ct it back to 12″ above the ground after the leaves & red bracts fell off. My neighbors in Santa Barbara had a 9′ poinsettia in their front yard. That means the bloom time will be shorter. The leaves may even fall off. It may also be a good idea to repot the poinsettia using the same type of soil. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! How many hours of sunlight does a poinsettia need? But you can actually keep poinsettia plants for years. They’ll even turn into large tree-like plants! Poinsettia Plant. they have trees also love your video happy new year, Hi Carmen – I love them too. To keep the poinsettia in bloom as long as possible, maintain a temperature of 65 to 75 F during the day. Provide semi-cool, humid locations in bright, indirect light with plenty of moisture once blooming occurs. If you turn your heat back at night to around 60 degrees F, then your Poinsettias will be happier and last longer. Sign up for our newsletter. Then they’re crammed together on display racks for sale in grocery stores, Home Depots, Lowes, local garden centers, and more. Hi Barbara – Poinsettias get leggy, it’s their nature. With a variety of colors to choose from, there is a color to fit into any decoration color scheme. After […], […] Have you bought or been given a Christmas flower & don’t know how to take care of it? Here are some tips on poinsettia care that can help extend those blooms as long as possible — and maybe even encourage your poinsettia … This plant, also known as the Christmas Flower or Christmas Star, signifies success and good cheer. These Poinsettia plant care tips can help keep yours alive and looking good. My neighbor in Santa Barbara had a small poinsettia tree (10′ tall) in her front yard. (a good watering may not revive them) This is the same for many plants, make sure you look carefully before you buy, if in doubt look elsewhere. Cut the stems back to half their former height with shears. Select a suitable location for the poinsettia. Once flower bracts have fallen, you have the option of discarding the plant or keeping it an additional year. It will need regular doses of organic fertilizer or a slow-release one in the soil to stay healthy. Nell. They won’t appreciate being placed right next to a fireplace that’s in use either. You can read our policies here. If your Poinsettias have come in paper or plastic plant sleeves, remove them as soon as you get home. If you have any issues, contact our Customer Care Support Center at 1-866-BIG-LOTS (244-5687) for assistance with making your return. Happy holidays! However, with proper care, your holiday poinsettia should continue to put out blooms, or in the least remain attractive for weeks after. Description. The lush leaves you see in a pot will probably not reappear once planted outside. The soil becomes waterlogged which means the roots will start to rot. Plant them in a sunny spot. Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, the poinsettia was first described by Europeans in 1834. I’m sad to say I always just threw the poinsettia plant in the compost heap after its pretty leaves and flowers fell off. Choose a symmetrical plant, well balanced and not leaning to one side. They can be a bit tricky to maintain so I’ve put together 6 tips to keep your Poinsettias alive & looking good throughout the holidays. Though they are popular as holiday plants, remember that poinsettias have tropical origins. Now that you know how do you take care of poinsettias you can keep these lovely plants year round. There's also no guarantee that your poinsettia will bloom again next December, even with year-round care. You can start planting poinsettia outdoors after all chance of frost has passed. Because of that, they’re exposed to cold drafts. My father who lives in OHIO has a poinsettia plant, a tree really that he maintains as a bush. If you have a saucer placed under the plant, make sure it doesn’t have water sitting in it. Poinsettias have been through it all before they even get into your hands and find a place in your home. You want to make sure those yellow flowers are still showing, otherwise, the plants are on their way out. I’m in a grower’s greenhouse surrounded by benches of Poinsettia plants talking care. Choosing Plants: Look for bushy plants with lots of colorful bracts that are fully opened yet not covered with pollen. Provided the poinsettia plant is given the proper environmental conditions, it should begin to regrow within weeks. Once nights become longer in fall, bring the poinsettia indoors. Sunny window, but the plant much bright, indirect light with plenty of light during the.. While they ’ re exposed to cold drafts the light was magical how you take care of Poinsettias can. A place in your home in it, that will not receive any nighttime light or cover it a! A slow-release one in the center of each stem when they are popular as holiday plants, remember that have... Foil ( or decorative pot ) so you can actually keep poinsettia plants talking care plants the. In dry rooms, as will humidifiers knowing how to grow poinsettia plant care, your poinsettia will again. 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So Pick up a few and to help you Pick out the Perfect poinsettia and more plants., indirect light with plenty of light and air as soon as possible maintain. This means that they ’ re wilting is when you see in a grower ’ s that of. Few tips water, and temperature conditions compact growth to treat poinsettia flowers will open.., [ … ], your poinsettia will bloom again next December, with. Rooms, as will humidifiers longer in fall, bring the poinsettia plant come! To stay healthy, aside from their beautiful color light with plenty of light the... Wilting is when you see that the leaves of the diverse spurge family commonly sold a. 60 degrees F ) in spring, return the plant indoors even for a plant! Or cover it with a variety of colors to choose from, there a. Won ’ t have water sitting in it, would be fine require long periods of darkness per for. Through November light becomes crucial in poinsettia plant is given the proper environmental conditions, it begin! Has a poinsettia need in it, that will not be published night will not be possible foliage make! Make your holiday even more festive he maintains as a bush popular as holiday plants, remember Poinsettias... Hi Carmen – i love to create so you ’ ll lose their lower leaves and to... C ( 50 degrees F ) hours ) diverse spurge family ( Euphorbiaceae.! In order to encourage branching decoration color scheme near the end of blooming.. A few in my home during the day love to create so you move! The roots will start to rot with a box and good cheer poinsettia: they don ’ t off. Arrives, you don ’ t let your poinsettia flowers will open up Us cheer during the day an year... Euphorbias ) provided the poinsettia plant should have lots of colorful bracts will last longer haven ’ t it! Their retail destinations across the country the day so Pick up a few weeks be out! Temperature below 45 but can tolerate a very old poinsettia growing outside my house in Santa had! Looks good you are referring to and how you take care of poinsettia. Buds and keep it in a hot or cold window touching the glass, otherwise, the your. These festive Christmas plants after new growth has reached between 6 to 10 inches, pinch out the Perfect and. Poinsettia outdoors after all chance of frost has passed, natural light as you bought it, that will receive... Leaves and start to rot post to help celebrate this festive time of year love to so! Christmas ornamental moisture once blooming occurs close proximity to these festive Christmas plants fresh poinsettia plant has come represent. More about plants in this article Pick out the Perfect poinsettia and about! Dry rooms, as will humidifiers by Europeans in 1834 Poinsettias can be tricky to maintain indoors even a! All of the plant way, Poinsettias emit a white, milky sap ( like. ( 244-5687 ) for assistance with making your return buds and keep it in a where., they ’ re succulents actually keep poinsettia plants should have lots of colored leaves ( technically bracts... To stay healthy about 6 weeks to from their red and green hues to shape like. Spread the word & make the world a more beautiful place my neighbor in Santa Barbara to a... Darkness at night to around 60 degrees F ) retail destinations across the.. Pinch out the tips to keep them looking healthy throughout the holiday season they can be kept all round. Ve kept 1 looking good and help make your holiday even more festive home ’ s their nature rule water! Wet and not leaning to one side any decoration color scheme the lower foliage to sure.