Where is the Best Place to Keep a Poinsettia?
Poinsettias are tropical plants that like warmth and light but are also susceptible to frost. They are best kept in a room with average temperatures of 15 to 22 degrees Celsius and away from cold windows or cold air vents, as the cold can dry out the leaves and flowers.
If you have to take your poinsettia outside in the summer, choose a spot with partial shade in the afternoon. They can be kept in a conservatory, under a tree or on a patio but you should keep them away from direct sun as this will cause the leaves to burn and shrivel up.
Spring is a good time to take your poinsettia indoors. This will help the plant grow stronger and begin to flower again once the weather warms up. Water the poinsettia well and then gradually reduce the amount of water it gets, letting only the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.
May is a good time to repot your poinsettia, so check that the roots have plenty of room in the new pot and use a potting mix that drains well. It’s important not to use a pot that’s too large for the plant as this can result in the soil sitting around the roots, which will cause root rot.
June is a good time to bring your poinsettia outdoors, so look for a sheltered spot with morning sunlight and a little shade in the afternoon. It will need to be protected from frost but once the risk of a freeze is over it can be enjoyed for the rest of the summer.
July is a good time to prune your poinsettia. Cut the stems back to stimulate branching and encourage a more compact and fuller shape. You can also feed your poinsettia with a high-potash liquid plant food to keep it growing and looking its best.
August is a good time to give your poinsettia its annual trim. Remove dead or damaged branches and cut back the remaining ones by about four inches. It is also a good time to start fertilizing, Balsis suggests.
October is a good time to give your poinsettia a good winter rest. It will go dormant during the autumn and then come alive again in spring when the risk of a freeze is over. It needs a good 12 weeks of less than 12 hours of light a day to start to show colour. Put your poinsettia in a closet, basement or under a box to receive this extra darkness.
Then, in November, it is time to bring your poinsettia inside for the festive season. This is a great time to enjoy your Christmas flower, but it must be watered regularly and kept in indirect light, so it will not become too dry during the long nights.
Poinsettias are fairly easy to care for but they can be a challenge if you’re not a gardening expert. If you are a beginner, it’s a good idea to invest in a small watering can, such as this Kent & Stowe Indoor Watering Can, that has a long stem spout so you can reach the roots without bending down. A lot of the time you’ll only have to water the plant once a week, but as it’s still in bloom it is a good idea to water every other day.
