It’s the time of year when poinsettias (Euphorbia Pulcherrima) are everywhere – in people’s homes, stores, and even as part of holiday decorations. Poinsettias are beautiful plants that can add a touch of color to any space, but they can be a challenge to care for. Many people mistakenly believe that poinsettias need direct sunlight and must be kept in water at all times to stay alive. In this blog post, I will dispel some myths about poinsettia care and give tips on keeping your poinsettias healthy and blooming for years to come!
When it comes to poinsettia care, the most important thing to remember is that poinsettias are not tropical plants and do not require direct sunlight or lots of water. Instead, poinsettias prefer indirect light, such as a bright window sill. If you keep your poinsettia on a windowsill, keep in mind that temperatures can vary drastically during the day and night – poinsettias like temperatures between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 60-65 at night.
Watering poinsettias is another essential part of proper poinsettia care – but be careful not to overwater! Poinsettias should have their soil checked weekly– if it feels dry, it’s time to water. If poinsettias are overwatered, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off.
Another essential part of poinsettia care is fertilizing. Poinsettias should be fertilized every 2-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10. While poinsettias bloom, do not use high nitrogen fertilizer, as this can cause them to drop their flowers prematurely.
Finally, if you want your poinsettia to bloom again next year, here’s what you need to do:
- From mid-March until mid-September, poinsettias should be kept in a filtered sun location (mine are in an East facing window location) and watered regularly.
- In October, poinsettias should be cut back to 4-6 inches and put in a cool spot with no more than 8 hours of light per day.
- During November and December, poinsettias should be kept in a warm spot with 16 hours of light per day.
By following these steps, you will have beautiful poinsettias that will bloom again next year! So don’t throw away your poinsettias – they can last much longer if you care for them properly. With a bit of love and attention, your poinsettias will give you cheer during the holidays for many years to come!
Thank you for reading this blog post, and if you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the Comments section below.
© 2019 I Don’t Know All The Answers, Nikki Mastro
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