All You Need to Know About Poinsettias

Poinsettias bring a welcome splash of beauty and color during the time of year when the landscape can be dull or covered with snow. The stunning plants might be native to Mexico; however, during the holiday season, they are seen in all kinds of homes. And with some effort and attention, they will last through the year. This is all you must be aware of about the care for poinsettias.

Tips for Choosing the Right Poinsettia

Maximize your enjoyment by selecting the right plant and has the following points in your mind:

• Do not purchase your plant from a retailer with them situated near the front doors. In cold climates, the constant breeze can cause stress and damage to the poinsettia.

• Check the soil with your finger to determine whether it's either bone dry or getting soaked wet. If you find either of these, it is likely that the plant has not been given the correct care.

• Find a plant that has dark green leaves, and the foliage is vibrant and dense.

• Examine the buds that are yellow at the center of every flower: If you notice pollen is beginning to drop or buds have begun to fall, the poinsettia's bloom isn't fresh.

• Avoid plants that are discolored or yellowed leaves or falling leaves.
  
  

Caring for Your Poinsettia During the Holiday Season

Keep your plant safe when you return back home by making sure that it is protected from the elements and weather. When you get home, follow these guidelines to ensure success:

Light

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

Temperature

Protect your plant from cold drafts while maintaining an ideal temperature of 65 and 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 other appliances could cause harm to the poinsettia.

Water

They prefer humid but not wet soil. The decorative wrapper that came with the poinsettia you received before irrigation to ensure drainage should be removed. Also, make sure the soil is checked prior to adding water when the soil is dry. A good frequency would be around every other week.

Extending the Lifespan of Your Poinsettia

When the festive season has ended, you can ensure that your poinsettias live to see another winter. Follow these steps:

From December to March, you can continue the same level of maintenance for your plant, making sure that it gets adequate levels of water and light.

April to May - Trim each flowering stem to between 4 and 6 inches tall. In May, move the poinsettia into a larger pot, using soil that is fresh, and then water it thoroughly. The plant should be placed in a sun-lit area in a temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees. Continue to water until the soil is dry.

June through mid-September - Once the risk of frost has gone, place the plant outside in a partly shaded space that is well-watered, and do bi-weekly fertilization during the summer.

October - When temperatures fall below 65 degrees, bring the plant indoors and adhere to a strict program of daytime light and total darkness for at least 10 hours every night, fertilizing and watering according to the normal schedule.

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

December - Fertilizer is no longer required, and you can maintain the plant the way you used to the first time you brought it home.

In the event that you've got pets living in your home, be aware that poinsettias can be toxic to dogs and cats, so put them in the most appropriate place for their health and for your pet's safety. Keep this in mind.