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How often do you water poinsettias inside


How to Care for Your Poinsettia in 3 Simple Steps

Poinsettias are the quintessential Christmas flower as they ring in the holidays like none other. They also have a tendency to really mess with people as they can check out and die without any forewarning. Poinsettias offer big, beautiful blooms that brighten any room, but many people worry that caring for poinsettias can be too difficult or finicky.

In reality, Poinsettias are quite simple to care for as long as you consider where they come from. Poinsettias are tropical plants native to Mexico, so their needs are unique, but not complex.

Taking care of Poinsettias is easy as 1-2-3. The first two steps will get you to a 90% success rate, and, hopefully, step 3 will ensure a home run. So, let’s talk about that now.

1.  Avoid Freezing Your Poinsettia on the Way Home

An icy ride home will do Poinsettias in.  Remember, these kids are from the topics.

Just like leaf lettuce can freeze on the way to your vehicle in central Alberta’s December, so will the leaves on a Poinsettia.   You can tell your Poinsettia has been chilled by their wilted appearance, especially if they initially appeared robust and beautiful upon leaving the store.  Unfortunately, this kind of wilt won’t resolve with a drink of water.

There are a couple of things you can do to protect them from our wintry temperatures.  One has to do with when you pick them up, and the other has to do with how they are packed for travel.

To avoid Poinsettias getting too cold, make sure they are dressed in two layers (like us) when they enter the frosty outdoors.  The best wrap for them is in a paper sleeve folded at the top with a sealed plastic bag over the top.

What if the establishment doesn’t have this kind of wrap? What if they just have one single plastic sleeve and no more wrap?  

I think it’s always a good idea to carry a large plastic garbage bag along with you for every Poinsettia that you are purchasing. You can slip the bag over the plant and tie a loose knot at the top before you leave the store. I would recommend that you use clear garbage bags so that you can get out of the store without anyone thinking you are stealing anything, and you can also see the Poinsettia to get it situated right in the vehicle as you leave. Poinsettias can, and should, be fastened in with seatbelts, just like children.

Make picking up your Poinsettia the last stop of your day so it can go into a warm vehicle and doesn’t have to sit in the cold during other errands.

A combination of no more walking through parking lots with open plastic sleeves exposing poinsettias to ice-cold temperatures, and no more leaving your poinsettias out in the cold will do wonders for caring for your poinsettia.

2.  Hold the Water, Your Poinsettia Isn’t Thirsty

Overwatering can be fatal for poinsettias.  This is the second most common cause of death when caring for poinsettias.

Who had the best success growing poinsettias in my house?  My kids. Why? Because they neglected them and never watered them!

Poinsettias don’t need to be watered often.  As a rule of thumb, poinsettias only need water every week or ten days, but remember to check them daily as each home is different.

Before you water, always check if the poinsettia soil is dry.  My favourite way to check the water status of a poinsettia is to pick up the pot and check its weight; you don’t need to stick your finger into the soil.  Full disclosure…even after all these years as a greenhouse and gardening girl, I still hate that first sensation of dirt packing under my fingernails.

When the poinsettia pot is very light, it’s time to give it a drink.  Remember, Poinsettias are from the rainforest, where the shallow soil dries out quickly.  They are used to being dry. Bring the poinsettia close to the doorstep of wilt, just up to the edge, but not to a full-on dry and stressed  flagging. This kind of wilting is not good for plants.

When the Poinsettia is dry, water it thoroughly until water drips out of the pot’s drainage holes.  You can water Poinsettias a couple of different ways:

  1. Place the tip of your watering can or cup at the soil line to water thoroughly.  Avoid spilling water all over the leaves because this could cause another set of issues.
  1. Fill a shallow dish with about 2” (5 cm) of water, take off the Poinsettia pot cover if it has one, and place the Poinsettia pot in the dish to soak up water from the bottom for 15-20 minutes.

Take note of how much a thoroughly watered poinsettia weighs and keep this in mind as you check your poinsettia for water daily.

If a poinsettia is overwatered, it will get a sagging, wilted look, leading you to think that it needs more water, but it doesn’t.  Poinsettias have shallow, delicate roots because they never needed deep roots in the rainforest.  Root rot can settle in quickly if Poinsettia roots stay too wet.   You can tell a Poinsettia has root rot when the foliage collapses or looks droopy, and the soil is soaked.

When you first notice any wilting, we automatically think it needs water, and this is the juncture where the overwatering cycle can begin.  Therefore, it’s incredibly important to check the weight of the pot before you water so that you aren’t watering unnecessarily.

There is no need to fertilize Poinsettias once they are in full bloom.  They are in their glory and don’t have high nutrient demands at this point in their life cycle.

3.  All the Rest of the Creature Comforts, Poinsettias are Really a Plant Embodiment of Goldilocks

For the last 10% of poinsettia success, the grand slam, remember: ‘Not too hot and Not too cold.’

Keep your Poinsettia at average room temperature, in the high teens to mid-20° C; keep it from areas that are too hot or too cold, and avoid areas that have blasts of hot or cold air.

The most common areas that are too hot for poinsettias are those near furnace forced air vents (heat registers)  and fireplaces.  The hot moving currents will dry the leaves and flowers out and they will get dry and crispy like a potato chip.  

Spaces that are too chilly for poinsettias can catch us off guard.  Watch for areas that get drafts of polar air, like near the front entry with repeated door openings and closings.  Set poinsettias back from entrances where the cold air won’t hit them.

Drafty window ledges and cold window panes offer a similar scenario. When a poinsettia is chilled, it will look wilted – looking wilted is a Poinsettia’s universal sign of displeasure. Sometimes they recover, but other times they do not.

That’s all it Takes to Keep a Poinsettia Thriving
  1. Keep your Poinsettia from freezing in the car.
  1. Always check your Poinsettia before watering.   
  1. Find your Poinsettia spot with a nice, steady temperature.  

And that’s it!  If you’d like to keep your Poinsettia looking beautiful for the rest of the year, visit my blog How to Get Your Poinsettia to Rebloom and Stay Beautiful Year-Round.

Enjoy the festive splendor of your Christmas Poinsettia this season! If you’d like more tips and tricks on caring for live Christmas décor, be sure to check out my other two blogs, How to Choose and Care for a Real Christmas Tree and How to Select, Use, and Care for Live Christmas Greenery!

©Sharon Wallish Murphy ©Gardening with Sharon

Interested to learn more?

Poinsettia care tips: make this festive favorite flourish

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Knowing some poinsettia care tips will prove invaluable if you've recently been gifted a beautiful poinsettia or have been swayed by its bright red flowers while doing your Christmas shopping. These top tips will help to keep it looking stunning throughout winter. 

With their beautiful red blooms and dramatic green leaves, poinsettias are a favorite of the festive season and it's no surprise that they're one of the best winter house plants; they make a lovely holiday gift, too. 

If you don't love the ruby red blooms of the classic poinsettias for Christmas, they are also available in a range of colors including white, lemon, and pink. Why not use different colors to make a poinsettia wreath?

Poinsettia care tips and expert advice

Unfortunately, these plants are not renowned for their longevity. They have usually dropped their leaves by the end of January, and are dead long before summer has arrived. 

‘They can be a little challenging to care for, but with due consideration and proper poinsettia care, it is possible for them to thrive in most home environments,’ says Andrew Gaumond horticulturist, botanist, and director of content at Petal Republic .

So, learn how to care for a poinsettia properly, and you’ll be enjoying your plant for many winters to come.

(Image credit: Alamy)

1. Choose a healthy plant

Start your poinsettia care regime before you’ve even bought it, by choosing a healthy plant from a reputable store or garden center.

A way to select a high-grade plant is to look for undamaged, dense foliage and budding yellow flowers in-between the colored bracts (the upper leaves, which are often mistaken for flowers).

‘Buy your poinsettia from an indoor store, and make sure they don't display these plants near automatic doors,’ says Naomi Robinson, founder of Houseplant Authority . ‘Poinsettias don't like lower temperatures so any period exposed to this, even just the doors opening and closing every now and then, can mean that the plant won't last long.’

A caring seller will also have made sure the poinsettia is watered correctly – feel the compost and ensure it is neither sandy dry nor soaking wet.

2. Transport your poinsetta home with care

‘Wrap your poinsettia in paper for the journey home to protect it from drafts and temperatures below 54°F (12ºC). This protects it from damage that is initially invisible but can lead to premature loss of leaves after a few days,’ says Dr. Susanne Lux, international campaign coordinator at poinsettia grower collective Stars for Europe.

When you get it home, take it out of its sleeve and place the pot on a saucer. ‘Be careful with pot sleeves because they can hold too much water, which can cause the plant to die,’ says Gail Pabst from the National Garden Bureau .

3. Ensure consistent temperatures

An important part of poinsettia care is ensuring it receives the right temperature year-round. Position the plant in a well-lit room near a window – ‘keep the plants at a temperature of between 59-72°F (15-22ºC),’ says Lux.

‘Poinsettias don't generally like direct sunlight, although this is less of an issue during winter, so it's fine to keep your plant near a window (ideally south-facing) during the Christmas period,’ adds Robinson.

‘Just make sure you move it away from that position as the warmer months approach to avoid its leaves burning.’

Also, try to minimize drafts: ‘A more sheltered position is better, avoiding open doorways or windows as well as fireplaces.’

(Image credit: Getty Images)

4. Only water poinsettias when the soil is noticeably dry

‘Overwatering is the most common mistake with poinsettias – and it's important to let the water drain,’ says Pabst.

The amount of water poinsettias need varies depending on the temperature, location, and the size of both the plant and its pot. ‘For a pot with a diameter of 5 inches, give it no more than a small glass of water,’ advises Lux. ‘This prevents large pores in the soil from clogging up and waterlogging.'

Mini poinsettias should not be given more than one shot glass of water. Excess water that is still in the planter after ten minutes should be removed as this can lead to overwatering. ‘If in doubt, it’s better to keep these plants a little more dry than moist and to water them little and often, rather than rarely but in great quantity,’ adds Dr Lux.

Only water poinsettias when the soil is noticeably dry, which can range from every day to every three days. Pay extra attention to smaller pots as they dry out faster – mini poinsettias, especially, will most likely need watering daily.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

5. Hold off on the feeding

While you would typically fertilize a plant when it's in bloom this is a big no-no when it comes to poinsettias. ‘Never fertilize a poinsettia in full bloom,’ adds Andrew Gaumond, horticulturist, botanist, and director of content at Petal Republic . ‘These plants are generally light feeders and only really need a nutrient boost once or twice in spring and summer with a balanced water-soluble houseplant feed.’

(Image credit: Stars for Europe)

Can you put poinsettias in a vase?

Yes, you can put cut poinsettias in a vase. However, this is not as simple and just cutting them and dropping them into a vase of water.

If you’re using cut poinsettias in a vase, cut the bracts, dip the cut end in warm, around 140°F (60ºC), water for a few seconds, then immediately in cold water. Once arranged, make sure to replace with fresh water every few days. With the right care, they will last around two weeks in the vase.

Photography/Polly Wreford

(Image credit: Alamy)

How do you keep a poinsettia alive year round?

The secret to keeping a poinsettia alive year-round is occasional watering,  fertilizing when not in bloom, and ensuring a consistent temperature of between 59-72°F. ‘The flowers and bracts of poinsettias can last for a couple of months if the plant is properly cared for,’ says Pol Bishop, gardening at Fantastic Gardeners. 

However, good poinsettia care means not neglecting the plant once the leaves have dropped. ‘Once the plant finishes blooming in the spring, trim back the stem and prune the old leaves and flowers.’ Continue watering and keep an eye on room temperature and move to a less sunny spot in the warmer months. Also be sure to repot when needed.

How do you get poinsettias to rebloom?

‘It can be tricky to make poinsettias rebloom in the following Christmas, but you can support them by watering and occasionally adding fertilizer to the soil throughout the year,’ says Bishop.  

‘Starting in October, place them in complete darkness for 14 hours a night in order to encourage the bloom.’

If your poinsettia outgrows its pot, repot it and use a suitable potting mix. ‘Poinsettias thrive best in a slightly acidic, well-draining, loamy or peat-based soil mix,’ says Andrew Gaumond.

Photography/Polly Wreford

(Image credit: Future)

What is the most popular poinsettia color?

Red is the most popular poinsettia color, however, the bracts actually come in a plethora of shades and even patterns, meaning there’s a breed to suit any taste or style. Shapes, too, can differ from pointed or jagged to rounded or crinkled.

Some of the most popular non-traditional poinsettia colors are: 

There are also lots of interesting variations, like marbled or mottled patterns which feature multiple colors – we love this white and pink poinsettia.  

(Image credit: Stars For Europe)

Are poinsettia poisonous?

You may wonder – are poinsettias poisonous to cats and dogs, or even young children? The good news is that they’re not as toxic as you think. 

That said, do keep out of reach of children and pets and, if you see a child eating the leaves, then wash their mouth with fresh water. If there is a severe reaction in anyone, always call your local emergency services.

(Image credit: Alamy)

The poinsettia arrived in the US and Europe around 200 years ago, when American diplomat Joel Roberts Poinsett spotted the vibrant plant on his travels and brought it home. 

Since then, we have taken it for granted that poinsettias are a part of Christmas, but how did that connection happen? Well, the clue is partly in the original Spanish name, Flor de Nochebuena, meaning Flowers of the Holy Night. The actual reason it has become linked to Christmas has few myths attached to it. 

One Mexican legend has a poor child bringing weeds as a gift to church on Christmas Eve, and when there they blossomed into red poinsettias. Another theory is that the star shaped pattern of the plant represents the Star of Bethlehem, while the bright red color of the bracts represents the blood of Christ.

(Image credit: Stars For Europe)

Thea Babington-Stitt is a Content Editor at Future. She has been an interiors journalist for nearly 10 years and has held positions at LivingEtc, Country Homes & Interiors and Homes & Gardens. Currently, she is writing for Ideal Home and Style At Home's websites and magazines.

7 golden rules for extending the life of the perfect New Year's gift - AgroXXI

Anna Medvedeva

Originally from Mexico and with over 150 different varieties, the poinsettia has established itself as a houseplant number as a gift for New Year and Christmas in many countries around the world. In Russia, sales of poinsettia are also growing, because it is impossible to take your eyes off this flower!

Poinsettia is often associated with the artist Frida Kahlo, who was very fond of these flowers.

The second name of the plant is the most beautiful spurge. And this is true. A variety of colors, ranging from a fiery collection of reds, pinks and oranges, as well as creams and whites, easily turns the poinsettia into a luxurious apartment decoration.

Contrary to popular belief, the poinsettia isn't too difficult to care for, but there are some key things you need to know to make it a successful flower in your home.

1. Poinsettias do not like a lot of water. Always remember that the root system of the plant should not be in waterlogged soil. Otherwise, root rot will begin and the beautiful flower will die.

2. Get in the habit of looking at the leaves. If they turn yellow or fall off, you are probably not watering properly. It is better to water a little with separated water at room temperature - for example, once every two days, when the soil dries. Abundant watering - once a week is recommended only when the poinsettia has faded and is at rest.

Another reason that the plant is shedding leaves may be a lack of nutrients, which is often observed in indoor plants. Recipe - Spray Folirus Complex Liquid Fertilizer as directed - once or twice a month depending on the condition of the plant.

But spraying with warm water is best avoided, as this contributes to the appearance of red spider mites.

3. Poinsettias need warmth and light. A pot of flowers can be placed next to the radiator, but no drafts! If you placed the pot on a windowsill, then do not open the windows, and make sure that the temperature in the room is between 15 - 20 degrees Celsius.

4. Buy smart. Many supermarkets place flower pots at the front door of the store for the New Year in the hope that customers will be tempted by the beautiful flowers and make a purchase. But never buy a poinsettia that is near automatic doors that open every 30 seconds, because the plant will be damaged by harsh Russian winds that don't happen in Mexico.

5. If possible, test the soil before purchasing. The soil should be neither wet nor completely dry, and if so, the plant has probably not received proper care and is in a deplorable state.

6. Finally, when you have chosen your poinsettia, protect it from the wind by wrapping it in a tight wrap during transport home.

7. In order to prolong the life of the poinsettia, every spring, after the onset of warm weather (usually in April or May), the flower is transplanted into a new pot, which is larger than the previous one. Before that, pruning is done - the stems are removed by a third, replanted after the appearance of new leaves, they provide regular watering and the introduction of nutrients along the leaf. Since the poinsettia grows quickly, shaping is part of the ongoing care.

The flower propagates well by cuttings, which, after spring pruning, should be placed in water at room temperature so that the milky juice drains. Then the cuttings are allowed to dry and planted in a liter container with a slightly acidic substrate. Within three weeks, the cuttings take root.

The dormant period of the poinsettia lasts 8 weeks (compared to six weeks of flowering), for which, from the third decade of September, daylight hours are reduced to 10 hours, and then the flower pot is sent to the darkest place or covered with an opaque and light cloth to In the New Year, the plant was able to bloom due to the natural cycle.

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Poinsettia or Christmas star flower at home: how to care for, save until next year and make it bloom again

Plants that bloom in the coldest and darkest winter months can be counted on the fingers. One of these “uniques” is the most beautiful poinsettia (the most beautiful euphorbia, the Christmas star). In winter, it blooms with small button-flowers, framed by bright bracts of red, pink, and white tones. It is they who give the plant a festive, recognizably "Christmas" look.

Poinsettias are usually purchased on New Year's Eve or Christmas Eve as a temporary decoration. After flowering ends and the bracts fall off, the plant is discarded. This happens because poinsettia is very capricious. For many unlucky flower growers, it rots already in the first months of being in the house, for others it never blooms again. The Christmas star needs special care, taking into account its tropical origin, clear periods of rest and vegetation. In this case, it will delight you for many years, blooming anew every December. And it can bloom as much as 3-4 months! Therefore, it is still worth making friends with her and keeping her, despite the difficulties.

Poinsettia flowers are small, inconspicuous, but they are framed by bright colorful bracts

Contents

  • 1 Christmas star flower: character traits
  • 2 Christmas star: care during flowering (December - February)
  • 3 Rest period (March-April)
  • 4 Vegetation period (May-September)
  • 5 Preparation for flowering (end of September-November)
  • 6 Finest poinsettia: video

Christmas star flower: character traits

Poinsettia has a complex character. She is extremely thermophilic, prefers a temperature range of 12-25 ° C. The summer heat above 25°C is negative. It does not tolerate dry air, so in winter, with running batteries, it has to be sprayed often. Any cold, draft can also be fatal for the Christmas star. Imagine: this flower in winter needs to be moved away from the window pane so that delicate leaves do not accidentally touch the cold surface. Here is such a sissy!

Varieties of the most beautiful poinsettia

Poinsettias are usually acquired in winter, during the flowering period. It is impossible to buy it on the street, at temperatures below 5 ° C. Even a short stay in such conditions is often detrimental to the poinsettia. After purchase, you can not transfer an open plant in the cold. Wrap it in paper, cover with a cloth, and only then take it outside. Otherwise, the poinsettia will get frostbite, the consequences of which can be the most unpleasant: from falling leaves to the death of the plant.

Poinsettia characteristics

Christmas Star: Care in Bloom (December-February)

So you bought a blooming poinsettia and brought it home. What's next? Follow the simple steps:

1. Place the poinsettia on a bright window sill south, east or west. In winter, the southern window sill is ideal for her, but with obligatory shading from direct sunlight.

2. Keep the temperature between 16-25°C. Do not open the vents so that cold air does not enter the plant.

3. Maintain high humidity. It is desirable that there are no hot batteries under the windowsill that reduce humidity. Dry air has a very bad effect on the plant, reducing its decorative properties (leaves dry, turn yellow, fall off). Therefore, in winter, spray poinsettia with warm settled water 1-2 times a day. Or use other methods to increase humidity. For example, place a plant pot (with a tray) in a wide extra tray filled with wet expanded clay. Or get a humidifier.

4. Water the poinsettia as needed. She prefers moist soil, but without stagnant water and dampness. Watering should be carried out with warm settled water only after the topsoil has dried. The water from the pan must be drained, otherwise the soil will become damp and the roots will begin to rot.

5. One month after purchase, if the poinsettia continues to bloom, feed it with a complex fertilizer for indoor flowering plants. So you prolong its beauty, add strength for further flowering.

Poinsettia with proper care can bloom up to 4 months!

Rest period (March-April)

After flowering, the bracts of the Christmas star fall off, and the leaves may also partially fly around. The first sign of the end of flowering is the appearance of green leaves on top of the bracts. During this period:

1. Place the poinsettia in a shaded, cool place with a temperature of 12-15°C.

2. Trim the plant. It is enough to leave shoots 7-10 cm high on the poinsettia.0002 3. Minimize watering. Between waterings, the earth ball can dry out completely, this will only benefit the “sleeping” plant.

At rest, the home flower Christmas star should stay 1. 5-2 months.

Vegetation period (May - September)

With the advent of warm weather, poinsettia begins active growth: new shoots and leaves appear, the root mass increases.

With the onset of warm and sunny days, the cut poinsettia bush begins to be covered with young leaves

The plan for caring for the Christmas star during the growing season is as follows:

1. Transplant the poinsettia into new soil. It should be loose and moisture permeable. This composition is well suited: leafy soil, soddy soil, peat, sand in a ratio of 2:3:1:1. The pot can be taken a little more than the previous one. But remember that the larger the pot, the taller the poinsettia can grow. At home, up to 35-50 cm.

2. Place the plant pot on a warm, light windowsill. Ideally, take it out to the balcony or garden. The place of detention should be light, but with shading from direct midday rays. The hot sun can scorch tender leaves. It is unacceptable to install a pot of poinsettia in a draft.

3. Keep the poinsettia at 16-25°C.

4. Water the plant sparingly, after the top layer of soil has dried to a thickness of 2-3 cm. Drain any water that has spilled through the wood holes into the pan immediately. If waterlogged, root rot is possible!

5. As top dressings in spring and summer, use universal fertilizers (with the same content of N, P, K) or fertilizers for ornamental foliage (with a high content of N). With a violent growth, poinsettia responds to the introduction of humus, bird droppings, and humus.

6. Start shaping the poinsettia. As soon as the plant begins to grow, select the 4-6 strongest shoots, cut the rest (cut cuttings can be used for rooting). Thus, a compact, dense crown is formed and a decorative look of the flower is provided.

Preparation for flowering (end of September - November)

Under normal room conditions, without following certain conditions of maintenance, flowering of poinsettia can be difficult. In order for the laying of flower buds to occur, it is necessary to create conditions for the plant that are close to natural. In its homeland, in Mexico, the flowering of poinsettia begins after 2 months of short daylight hours with a duration of 10 hours. When keeping poinsettia in living rooms, such conditions are provided artificially. There are several options for how to do this:

Option #1 - Protect the poinsettia from light

Beginning in late September, between 6 pm and 8 am, cover the poinsettia with a cardboard box or an opaque plastic bag.

Option #2 - Provide a natural cycle of darkness and light

In the fall, place the poinsettia in a heated greenhouse or non-living room where there is no artificial light. Naturally, a short daylight hours during this period will be sufficient for her.

Option #3 - use light barriers

Unfortunately, under normal room conditions, the poinsettia on the windowsill will be illuminated by electrical appliances: lamps, TV screens, etc.

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