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The Complete Guide to Poinsettia: Care Tips and Tricks
It’s that time of the year again – the holiday season! And what better way to add some cheer to your home than with a beautiful poinsettia plant? This iconic plant has become a symbol of Christmas, with its vibrant red and green colors.
But did you know that there are many different varieties of poinsettias, and they come in a range of colors? In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing and caring for poinsettias.
The History of Poinsettias
Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) were first discovered in Mexico by Dr.
Joel Roberts Poinsett, who was serving as the US Ambassador to Mexico in the 1820s.
He sent specimens back to his home in South Carolina where he began propagating them and sharing them with friends.
The plants soon became popular across America, particularly during the holiday season when their bright red bracts made them perfect for decorating.
Picking the Perfect Poinsettia
When choosing a poinsettia plant, look for one with dark green foliage all along its stems.
The bracts (the colorful leaves surrounding small flowers) should be fully colored without any browning or yellowing at their edges.
Check that there are no signs of wilting or dropping leaves which may indicate poor care or stress.
- Look for well-shaped plants with an even number of bracts all around rather than lop-sided ones.
- Avoid buying plants which have been displayed near doors or windows where they may have been exposed to drafts as this can cause leaf drop.
- Check that your chosen pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Caring for Poinsettias
Poinsettias are relatively easy to care for, but they do have some specific needs.
Here are a few tips:
Light Requirements
Poinsettias prefer bright, indirect sunlight throughout the day.
They can tolerate some direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon but should be protected from the midday sun as it can cause leaf scorching.
Watering Needs
The soil of your poinsettia plant should be kept moist, but not wet.
Overwatering can cause root rot, which is why it’s important to ensure that your pot has good drainage.
A general rule of thumb is to allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again.
Temperature and Humidity
Poinsettias thrive in temperatures between 60-70°F during the day with slightly cooler temperatures at night.
They also prefer high humidity levels so consider using a humidifier if you live in a particularly dry climate or place a tray filled with pebbles and water beneath their pot.
Pruning Your Poinsettia Plant
To promote bushy growth and keep your poinsettia looking full, prune back new stems by one-half every month until early September (in preparation for flowering season).
After this time, you can allow them to grow out naturally without further pruning until next year when you need them blooming again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Poinsettias:
- Can I keep my potted poinsettia alive year-round? Yes! With proper care, you can keep your poinsettia alive for months or even years.
However, it may be difficult to get them to rebloom in time for the holiday season.
- Can I plant my poinsettia outside after the holiday season? Poinsettias are tropical plants and will not survive outdoor temperatures below 50°F.
It is best to keep them indoors or in a greenhouse if you want them to thrive year-round.
- Why do poinsettias drop their leaves? Dropping leaves are often caused by overwatering, too little light or exposure to drafts from windows or doors.
In Conclusion
Poinsettias are a beautiful addition to any home during the holiday season and with proper care can last for months beyond.
Whether you’re looking for traditional reds or unique colors like white, pink, yellow and purple there’s a type of poinsettia out there that will suit your taste perfectly! With this guide, we hope you have all the knowledge necessary to care for your new festive addition this year!
