Buying a Poinsettia
When picking out a mature poinsettia, look for sturdy stems and a full plant with foliage that extends down toward the soil. Avoid plants with wilting or yellowing leaves. Look for rich colored bracts that have fully turned. (Poinsettia’s brightly colored bracts are actually leaves, not petals. The poinsettia flower petals are the yellow clusters found in the middle of the bracts.) Transport poinsettias in a sleeve or bag on cold and windy days, as poinsettias do not like temperatures under 50 degrees.
Take Care of It
Keep a mature poinsettia moist but not soaking. Poinsettias love humid conditions and will benefit from daily misting, especially in dry conditions. Poinsettias do not like extreme temperature changes so keep away from vents, drafts and fireplaces. Sixty to 70 degree temperatures are best while poinsettias are in bloom. Do not apply fertilizer to blooming poinsettias.
The Aftermath
After poinsettias have bloomed, gradually slow down on watering. Let all bracts fall, then stop watering. Store in a garage or basement in around 50-degree temperature, if possible.
Prepare the Poinsettia
In late March or early April, cut the plant back to 8 inches in height. Continue to water and water with a balanced fertilizer. You should notice new growth in mid-spring. Place plant outside in bright light when night temperatures reach 50-55 degrees. Continue to water and fertilize every 2 to 3 weeks.
Lightly prune poinsettia in July to prevent leggy stems and to stimulate offshoots. Do not prune after September 1.
When colder temperatures arrive (below 50 degrees), bring inside and transplant to a slightly bigger pot. A poinsettia can be planted directly in the ground in warm winter climates. Whatever the case, make sure the soil is high in nutrients and drains well. Poinsettias do not like sitting in water.
Poinsettias are susceptible to whitefly. They can be treated with an insecticidal soap but the soap my damage colored bracts, so check the plant regularly.
Get it Blooming
As days become shorter, poinsettias will start producing buds. In late September to early October, place the plant in total darkness for 12-14 hours each night for about 10 weeks. Temperature is best at 55-65 degrees during this period, so a cool garage or basement should be sufficient. If the poinsettia is planted in the ground, cover with a box to keep out sunlight. Bring poinsettias out (or uncover) during the day and set in a bright sunny window for 6-8 hours. Indoor temperatures should be around 65-70 degrees during the day, which should be easy to maintain. Continue normal watering and fertilizing during this period. Blooms should appear in time for your holiday celebration.
Poinsettias Poisonous?
The American Medical Association's Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants and the Society of American Florists say no. Poinsettias are not poisonous to people or animals. Yes, they may cause rashes for those allergic (especially those allergic to latex), and if eaten in massive quantities, may make you sick. They may cause some digestive problems for animals, but these are temporary. But, please, don’t take my word for it - talk to your doctor or vet.
Did you Know…
...you can use poinsettias as cut flowers in a floral arrangement? You can, but you must first seal the cut ends to keep the sap from leaking out of the stem, as sap helps keep the flower fresher longer. Cut the stem and dip it in a candle flame, allowing the wax to seal it shut. It still soaks up water and can last up to a week in a fresh cut arrangement.
Image by Dreamstime
Copyright© 2011 by Lisa Gregor. All rights reserved.
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