Care of Poinsettias
Jenae Ryan, Horticulture Agent
Along with Christmas trees, poinsettias are bright, lively plants associated with the Christmas holidays. Here are some tips to keep your poinsettias for several weeks, even after the holidays have passed.
Temperature Requirements - Modern poinsettia varieties can stay attractive for a long time if given proper care. When bringing your poinsettia inside from your vehicle, be sure to have it covered or in a protective sleeve to keep it warm. Even a few minutes of cold temperatures can damage the plant. Place your poinsettia in a sunny window or the brightest area of the room, but don't let it touch cold window panes. The preferred temperature for poinsettias is between 65 to 75 degrees during the day and 60 to 65 degrees at night. Temperatures above 75 degrees will shorten bloom life, and temperatures below 60 degrees may cause root rot. Move plants away from windows at night or draw drapes between them to avoid damage from the cold. Also keep plants away from radiators, air registers, and open doors.
Watering and Fertilizing - Poinsettias require moderate soil moisture, but are very sensitive to over-watering. On the other hand, if the plant is allowed to wilt, the plant will drop some leaves. In order to maintain proper soil moisture, examine the potting soil daily by sticking your finger about one-half inch deep into the soil. If it is dry to this depth, the plant needs water. When it becomes dry to the touch, water the plant with lukewarm water until some water runs out of the drainage hole, then discard the drainage water. Do not let the plant sit in standing water. If your plant came wrapped in decorative foil, remove the foil or make holes in it to allow for water drainage. Poinsettias do not require fertilizer while they are in bloom. To maintain green foliage and promote new growth after the holiday blooms, an all-purpose house plant fertilizer applied once a month is recommended.
Are They Poisonous? – Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not poisonous. A study at Ohio State University showed that a 50-pound child would have to eat more than 500 leaves to experience any harmful side effects. However, the milky sap they produce can irritate sensitive skin or people with latex allergies. The poinsettia sap may cause mild irritation or nausea in pets if ingested. Even though the leaves reportedly have a bad taste, it is still advised to keep the poinsettias away from pets and young children.
With proper care, you can have beautiful plants long after the Christmas decorations come down. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year!
Along with Christmas trees, poinsettias are bright, lively plants associated with the Christmas holidays. Here are some tips to keep your poinsettias for several weeks, even after the holidays have passed.
Temperature Requirements - Modern poinsettia varieties can stay attractive for a long time if given proper care. When bringing your poinsettia inside from your vehicle, be sure to have it covered or in a protective sleeve to keep it warm. Even a few minutes of cold temperatures can damage the plant. Place your poinsettia in a sunny window or the brightest area of the room, but don't let it touch cold window panes. The preferred temperature for poinsettias is between 65 to 75 degrees during the day and 60 to 65 degrees at night. Temperatures above 75 degrees will shorten bloom life, and temperatures below 60 degrees may cause root rot. Move plants away from windows at night or draw drapes between them to avoid damage from the cold. Also keep plants away from radiators, air registers, and open doors.
Watering and Fertilizing - Poinsettias require moderate soil moisture, but are very sensitive to over-watering. On the other hand, if the plant is allowed to wilt, the plant will drop some leaves. In order to maintain proper soil moisture, examine the potting soil daily by sticking your finger about one-half inch deep into the soil. If it is dry to this depth, the plant needs water. When it becomes dry to the touch, water the plant with lukewarm water until some water runs out of the drainage hole, then discard the drainage water. Do not let the plant sit in standing water. If your plant came wrapped in decorative foil, remove the foil or make holes in it to allow for water drainage. Poinsettias do not require fertilizer while they are in bloom. To maintain green foliage and promote new growth after the holiday blooms, an all-purpose house plant fertilizer applied once a month is recommended.
Are They Poisonous? – Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not poisonous. A study at Ohio State University showed that a 50-pound child would have to eat more than 500 leaves to experience any harmful side effects. However, the milky sap they produce can irritate sensitive skin or people with latex allergies. The poinsettia sap may cause mild irritation or nausea in pets if ingested. Even though the leaves reportedly have a bad taste, it is still advised to keep the poinsettias away from pets and young children.
With proper care, you can have beautiful plants long after the Christmas decorations come down. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year!
