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Extending the life of your poinsettia |
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Poinsettia is the most popular Christmas flower. Here are five tips to extend the life of your poinsettia plant for weeks or even months beyond the holidays.
Six hours of indirect sunlight is best for your poinsettia. Too little light, and the plant will get leggy. Too much and the flower bracts will expire sooner.Be sure to keep your poinsettia away from cold windows and make sure it is not touching the glass. Poinsettias don't like cold drafts from open doors and windows or hot air from radiators and fireplaces.The best daytime temperatures for poinsettia plants is 60 to 70°F and night temperatures around 55°F. High temperatures will shorten the plant’s life. Move the plant to a cooler room at night, if possible.Proper watering is important and poinsettias do not like dry soil or standing in water. Extremes cause them to drop bracts sooner.Check the soil daily. Be sure to punch holes in the foil pot wrapper so water can drain. Drain excess water from the saucer. Fertilize your poinsettia if you keep it past the holiday season, but do not fertilize while it is in bloom. Apply a houseplant fertilizer once a month. Next fall, prune it back by half and stop watering. Put it in a dark closet for a dormant period to induce new blooms. Take it out of the closet about six weeks before the holiday season and resume watering to enjoy your plant the next year. |
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