Each plant comes with a decorative gold pot cover and protective plastic sleeve. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Water when the surface of the soil is dry to the touch, and make sure its pot is never sitting in water. Support wikiHow by Re-blooming a poinsettia for next Christmas is a challenge that will bring you great satisfaction. During the... Fertilizing Poinsettia Plants. Here are some tips on poinsettia care that can help extend those blooms as long as possible — and maybe even encourage your poinsettia … wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The fertilizer will held to maintain the plant's green foliage and promote new growth. Bracts Are Small And Pale. Poinsettia plants perform best in temperatures that range from 65 to 80 degrees fahrenheit. If you’d prefer to keep your poinsettia year round, fertilize it with an all-purpose fertilizer in early January. DON’T Forget to Protect the Plant in the Car. Continue watering and fertilizing. In the past, this sap has been used in Mexico as a treatment for fevers. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid1487608-v4-728px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":" \u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Poinsettia Care – How Do You Take Care Of Poinsettias Holiday Poinsettia Plant Care. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Not only can overwatering lead to the yellowing of leaves, it can also rot away the root structure, killing the plant in the process. Move the poinsettia back to a sunlit area and follow the care procedures described in the previous section. Support wikiHow by Expose the plant to indirect sunlight during the daytime, where it … wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. How to care for your poinsettia Share this: ... Place the plant in a total darkness starting a 5 p.m. at night and remove it at 7 a.m. the next morning. This plant was first developed by the Paul Ecke Plant Company. Here’s your opportunity to grow your white Poinsettia this Christmas! This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Pick off poinsettia horn-worms with your fingers and destroy them. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Poinsettia plants can survive the winter near a window that can give them at least 6 hours of light a day. If poinsettias are exposed to low outside temperatures for even a few minutes they can chill or even freeze, causing the leaves to droop and fall off. These poinsettia care tips will help you keep these bright-coloured plants in top condition throughout the festive period. Continue to water as needed through the process. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If the plant is left sitting in water, the soil will become too wet and will not contain enough air, leading to root rot and other diseases. Here is to keeping your poinsettia plants beautiful through the holiday season, and keeping them around year after year to enjoy! One thing is for sure, keeping plants alive is a much better option than having to repurchase them every single year! This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Initially, the white sap bleeds and runs quickly if the wound is large. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Move the plant outside to a spot with indirect sunlight. It should be neither dripping wet nor totally dry, and if it is, … They’re pretty easy to care for, and you can toss them in the compost at the end of the season. It's been in an east-facing window. It's easy to spot sap oozing from a poinsettia plant because of the watery but white latex composition. As can keeping these gorgeous perennial plants alive through late winter, spring and summer to use again next year. Winter Rose poinsettias are available in red, white, pink, and marble. And to keep the bracts in tip-top shape all throughout the full holiday season, there are 3 simple keys to success. Be aware that temperatures below 50 degrees will chill the plant and cause severe damage, while exposure to frost will kill it. Caring For Your Poinsettia 1. It will certainly be a white Christmas! wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This will prevent overwatering. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Our White Poinsettia Plant makes a wonderful holiday gift that is long lasting and will continue to bloom after the festivities. Once the blooms have faded, begin by cutting the foliage and stems back to around 4″ above the soil surface. This is important in order to maintain the bright red color of the bracts. For tips on how to pick a healthy poinsettia from the store, keep reading! wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Can pinching the leaves at the tip make the leaves turn black? If you thought that all Poinsettia plants had red flowers then think again. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If possible, check the soil before buying. Poinsettia Summer Care Transplanting . Follow these procedures for approximately ten weeks until the poinsettia reflowers and the bright red color begins to show on the bracts. Be aware that even exposing the plant to artificial lighting can halt or delay the reflowering process. Poinsettia Plant Care Troubleshooting. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. In this case, 89% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Usually, within 2 to 3 weeks, you will begin to see new growth beginning to emerge. What do I do if my poinsettia has black spots on it? Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Just make sure to remove the protective covering as soon as you get home, otherwise it could cause damage. This article has been viewed 141,267 times. Locate plants so that they receive a fair amount of indirect light, but not direct sunlight through a window. Poinsettias will bloom longest when kept between 70 and 75 degrees. As you water the poinsettia, stop as soon as you see water leak through the holes at the bottom to the pot. Many different color variations are available, including variegated options. How To Keep Poinsettia Plants Beautiful – Before & After Christmas. As soon as you see the blooms begin to change color, it is time to bring it out full time to enjoy. However, caring for your poinsettia throughout the year and getting it to rebloom the following December is another story. Caring for your poinsettia during the holidays season is easy, as they require little attention while in bloom. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Sunlight should be available for the Poinsettia for at least five hours a day. Maintain the correct temperature. And that all begins with knowing a little about the plant, and it’s blooming cycle. It wasn't until 1825 that the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett, introduced the poinsettia to the U.S. Wash the whiteflies off of the plant weekly using a forceful stream of water directed at the undersides of leaves and other clusters of whiteflies. This whiteness contrasts with the dark green of leaves, or the various colors of the bracts. Fertilize at each of these points with a balanced, all-purpose organic fertilizer to provide strength to the plant. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. I have little little white ants walking on my poinsettia, what should I do? In their natural habitat, they can grow up to 15 feet (4.5 m) tall. Here is an in-depth look at how to keep your poinsettias blooming and booming through the holidays – and how to overwinter them after they finish blooming to use again next Christmas season! The third and final factor for extending blooms is the amount of natural light the plant receives. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Designed in our white birch planter, creating a warm, woodsy feel. There is little doubt the poinsettias are the official flower of the Christmas holiday season. unlocking this expert answer. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Here's how to do both. A dark closet with easy access works best for this. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. By using our site, you agree to our. Remove affected areas immediately to avoid further contamination. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Poinsettia plants produce a milky white sap called latex. Watch for fungal diseases like poinsettia scab, which is identified by circular white, yellow or brown spots on the leaves. For best results, keep your poinsettia in a warm room and mist it daily. To receive our 3 Home, Garden, Recipe and Simple Life articles each week, sign up below for our free email list. To maintain your poinsettia bloom, keep temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Poinsettias enjoy room temperatures of between 16°C and 22°C. Before purchasing, shop for healthy-looking plants that have been kept away from drafts and excessive heat. Poinsettia care begins with proper light, water, and temperature conditions. If the plant is left too long without water, the leaves will begin to droop and wilt. Once again, pinch or cut the new stems, leaving 3-4 leaves on each shoot. Poinsettias don’t need a lot of water, but you should water your plant when the soil feels dry. Over-watering causes the most issues for poinsettia plants. Poinsettia (botanical name: Euphorbia pulcherrima) are a native plant of Mexico, where the plant is a flowering shrub that will grow 10-15 feet tall. But keeping them healthy and strong all through the season can be a challenge for many. Place the plant in a partially-shaded area so it doesn’t overheat. This is often a sign of insufficient light. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Of course, if you don't plan on keeping the poinsettia there will be no need to fertilize. Avoid keeping cool rooms. Ideal temperatures for poinsettias don't reach above 70 °F (21 °C) during daytime... 3. The leaves and bracts on the Winter Rose variety are smaller and tend to curl under and the plant is usually shorter than regular poinsettias. Poinsettias contain a white sap made of latex, which can irritate the skin of people allergic to latex. Be careful when transporting poinsettias from the shop to your home in the winter, as the cold outdoor temperatures can damage the foliage. But not to worry, we have you covered with today’s article! Poinsettia Plant Care Keep your Poinsettia plant near a sunny window where it will have the most available sunlight. Inspect your poinsettia for common insects like poinsettia horn-worms, aphids, mealybugs, scales, white-flies, and spider mites. Poinsettia “blooms” are actually bracts, and not a flower at all. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Our beautiful poinsettia plants are locally grown and very generous in size, featuring multiple, robust blossoms. How to Care for Poinsettias. Placing it near a sunny east or west facing window is ideal. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. As always, feel free to email us at thefarm@owgarden.com with comments, questions, or to simply say hello! Looking to keep your poinsettia plants looking healthy and beautiful all through the Christmas season this year? White Poinsettia. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Prune back the plants in early summer, and again in mid-summer to keep the plant full and bushier. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Only on white- or cream-colored bracts would the sap be slightly camouflaged. As mid-January and February roll around, even the best-kept poinsettia plants will begin to fade. Why are my poinsettia's bottom leaves yellow and dropping off? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. They need a minimum temperature of 13-15°C (55-59°F). The first, and the biggest of all is proper watering. Many people find that it's easier to just buy a new plant each year, rather than caring for the same one all year round. First, let’s start with how to care for poinsettias during their “blooming” season. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. There are more than 100 varieties of Poinsettia plants available today. The popular Christmas plants — which originate from Mexico — are incredibly easy to care for. Just don't let the leaves of the plant touch any cold window panes as this can cause them to freeze and fall off. Screened-in patios and flower beds protected by tree cover can … For serious infestations, chemical control may be needed. Place the poinsettia plant in a location where it receives at least... 2. For tips on how to pick a healthy poinsettia from the store, keep reading! In early summer, transplant your poinsettia plant to a new pot that is about 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the pot it is currently in. At the end of September, place plants in a dark, cool area (65 degree-ish) for 14 to 16 hours a day. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This article may contain affiliate links. Overly warm rooms will shorten the bloom time of poinsettia plants, as will sitting them too close to a heat source such as a heat duct, fireplace or heater. Last Updated: December 20, 2020 How to Take Care of a Poinsettia During the Holidays Though they are popular as holiday plants, remember that poinsettias have tropical origins. Approved. Poinsettias are typically grown and sold as annuals, however you can grow poinsettias year after year. Don’t be alarmed, the plant may look quite pathetic at this point, but it will come back! References This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Although they look like a flowering blooms, bracts are instead a set of colorful leaves that form on top of the regular green foliage of the poinsettia. Remove the plant from the darkness during the day, as it will still need about 6 to 8 hours of daylight. As spring and warmer temperatures arrive, you can take the plants outside. only now (May 2020) turning green. Follow these tips after the hustle and bustle of the holidays or when the plant starts to look a little tired, whichever comes first: Water less frequently after the blooms and leaves drop or shrivel. Poinsettia Plant Care Originally from southern Mexico, the poinsettia is a classic Christmas houseplant. A window that faces south, east or west is the best location to place your Poinsettia. Fall Care and Re-blooming PhaseTo re-flower your poinsettia, you must keep the plant in complete darkness between 5pm and 8am daily from the end of September until color shows in the bracts (early to mid-December). The fungus can eventually take over the entire branch or plant if left uncontrolled. Time to sneak the heating up a few notches. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. But these festive plants, which range from the traditional red to pale yellow, can be a mystery when it comes to care and maintenance. This tropical plant loves heat and humidity – but not too much! And although poinsettia plants have a bit of rap for being dangerous to pets and children – see our article on the myths of the poinsettia plant : Are Poinsettias Really Dangerous? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 141,267 times. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. Continue your normal watering routine until spring (or first of April), then allow it to dry gradually. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ad\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-14-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-14-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ad\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-14-Version-3.jpg\/aid1487608-v4-728px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-14-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e9\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-16-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-16-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e9\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-16-Version-3.jpg\/aid1487608-v4-728px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-16-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-19-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-19-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-19-Version-3.jpg\/aid1487608-v4-728px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-19-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/aid1487608-v4-728px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/aid1487608-v4-728px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-15-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-15-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-15-Version-3.jpg\/aid1487608-v4-728px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-15-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9c\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-17-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-17-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9c\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-17-Version-3.jpg\/aid1487608-v4-728px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-17-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/aid1487608-v4-728px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/aid1487608-v4-728px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/aid1487608-v4-728px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Root rot is another fungal disease to look out for. As fall arrives, it is time to start preparing your poinsettia for holiday blooming! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. And when you do water, water so the soil is moist and damp, but not saturated. Deck your halls with a holiday favorite. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-18-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-18-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-18-Version-3.jpg\/aid1487608-v4-728px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-18-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/aid1487608-v4-728px-Care-for-Poinsettias-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"