Hello Gardeners,
The poinsettia flower is the classic holiday plant, known for its festive red bracts set against green leaves. Now that you’ve purchased your new poinsettia for Christmas, how do you keep it pretty throughout the season? A few simple gardening tips will help keep it at its best.
When you bring your poinsettia home, the new plant is usually in peak bloom. Upon arrival, inspect your plant for pests or damaged leaves, and snip off any leaves that are yellow or wilted. Next, find the perfect location, such as a bright window with filtered sunlight. Also, be sure to remove the decorative sleeve to allow the plant to breathe and water to drain.
Overwatering is the number one killer of poinsettias, so it’s always better to slightly underwater than to overwater them. Only water when the top inch or so of the soil is dry to the touch. When the soil feels dry, give the plant a good soak until water runs out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the planter and discard the excess. Never let a poinsettia sit in a saucer of water, as this can lead to root rot.
Being a short-day plant, poinsettias love light. Place your new plant in a location that receives at least six hours of indirect sunlight a day, as opposed to full, direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves. A south or east-facing window is usually best.
Poinsettias are happiest in the same temperatures that are comfortable for us humans, but they can also be a bit finicky. The ideal temperature range is between 65-70 degrees F, and slightly cooler at night, around 60-65 degrees F. Be sure to keep them away from any drafts or hot, dry air from heating vents, as temperatures below 50 degrees or over 80 degrees can damage the leaves. Poinsettias also appreciate a bit of humidity. This can be provided by misting your plant regularly or constructing a pebble tray filled with water for the pot to sit on. The evaporating water will increase the humidity around the plant without making the soil too wet.
Feeding poinsettias with fertilizer is crucial to their growth and development. But now that the bracts have turned red, discontinue any fertilizer, as this will cause the red leaves to drop. You can resume fertilization after the vibrant colors start to fade, usually after January.
With simple, consistent care, focusing on light, water, and temperature, nearly anyone can keep their poinsettia looking beautiful and healthy this Christmas season.
Happy Gardening,
Barb
Oak Hill Garden Center, formerly known as Oakwood Greenhouse, was established in the mid 1970’s. Since that time, our garden center has grown. We have three greenhouses as well as other seasonal items. The garden center was designed to provide a service to the community as well as vocational opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. We provide employment opportunities for individuals who live at Oakwood as well as others who live in the community. Throughout the year we have: ferns house plants succulents tropicals vegetable plants perennials annuals mums gourds mosquito plants ornamental pepper plants assortment of herbs |
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