All You Need to Know About Poinsettias

Poinsettias bring a welcome splash of beauty and color during the time of year when the scenery may appear dull or covered with snow. The stunning plants might be native to Mexico; however, during the holiday season, they are all over the place. With just a bit of time and care, they will last through the year. Here's everything you must be aware of about the care for poinsettias.

Tips for Choosing the Right Poinsettia

Maximize your enjoyment with plants that are healthy with the following guidelines in your head:

• Beware of purchasing your plants from a retailer with them situated near the front doors. In winter, the constant breeze can result in stress and damage to the poinsettia.

• Examine the soil using your fingers to determine whether it's either bone dry or getting soaked wet. If you notice either, it is likely that the plant has not been given the correct care.

• Choose a plant with dark green leaves, as well as the foliage is vibrant and dense.

• Look for the yellow buds in the center of every flower: If you notice that the pollen has begun to fall out or buds have begun to fall, the poinsettia's bloom isn't fresh.

• Do not touch plants that have discolored, yellowed, or leaves that are dropping.
  
  

Caring for Your Poinsettia During the Holiday Season

Keep your plant safe during the trip back home by making sure that it is properly wrapped to protect it from weather and wind. When you arrive, be sure to follow these tips to ensure success:

Light

Poinsettias require at least six hours of sun every day. Set your plant in front of the east, west, or south-facing window, which will let in bright, indirect sunlight.

Temperature

Keep the plant safe from drafts and keep an ideal temperature of 65 to 70 degrees during daytime and 60 to 65 degrees at night. The exposure to temperatures that are lower than 55°F or extreme heat sources like radiators, heat registers, or appliances can damage the poinsettia.

Water

They prefer damp but not sloppy soil. Take off the wrapper with the ornamental design that came with the poinsettia you received before watering to ensure proper drainage. Also, make sure the soil is checked prior to adding water after the area is dry. It is recommended to water around every other week.

Extending the Lifespan of Your Poinsettia

When the Christmas season is over, you can make sure your poinsettias live to see another winter. Take these steps:

From December to March, you can continue the same level of maintenance for your plant, ensuring it receives the proper levels of water and light.

April to May - Cut the flower stems to between 4 and 6 inches tall. In May, move the poinsettia to a larger pot, using soil that is fresh and thoroughly watered. The plant should be placed in a sunlit area with temperatures that range between 65 and 75 degrees. Keep watering when the soil gets dry.

June to Mid-September - When all risk of frost is gone, put the plant outside in a shaded or partially shaded location with adequate water; bi-weekly fertilization through the summer.

October - As temperatures drop to below 65 degrees, move the plant inside and adhere to a strict program of daylight during the day and total darkness for at least 10 hours every night, fertilizing and watering in the same way as normal.

The buds should be appearing in November, and the darkness should not be necessary.

December - Fertilization isn't required, and you are able to maintain the plant the way you used to at the time of bringing it back.

When you've pets living in your home, you should be aware that poinsettias may be poisonous to dogs and cats, so put them in the most appropriate place for their health as well as your pet's security.