{"id":12485,"date":"2024-12-10T15:50:27","date_gmt":"2024-12-10T20:50:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meadowsfarms.com\/?p=12485"},"modified":"2024-12-11T09:55:05","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T14:55:05","slug":"how-to-care-for-your-poinsettia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meadowsfarms.com\/blog\/how-to-care-for-your-poinsettia\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Care For Your Poinsettia Year-Round"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the holiday season approaches, homes and businesses come alive with decorations that capture the festive spirit. Among these, poinsettias stand out as a timeless favorite. Surprisingly, they hold the title of the top-selling potted plant in the United States\u2014a remarkable feat given their popularity peaks during just a few months each year. With the right care and attention, their vibrant beauty can last all season\u2014or even longer. Here\u2019s everything you need to know to keep your poinsettia thriving.<\/p>\n

Poinsettia Care Guide<\/h2>\n

Protect Your Poinsettias from the Cold<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When transporting your poinsettias from the store to your home, make sure they are protected from the cold. Avoid transporting them in an open vehicle and bring them indoors as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

Unpack Your Poinsettias Promptly<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Protective plastic sleeves that come with your poinsettias help during transport but can cause leaf drop and yellowing if left on for too long. Remove the sleeves within 24 hours of purchase to keep your plant healthy.<\/p>\n

Choose the Right Spot for Display<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Place your poinsettias in areas with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight whenever possible. Poinsettias thrive in steady temperatures between 65 and 75\u00b0F, so keep them away from doorways or entrances where drafts might cause temperature fluctuations. Their bracts (modified leaves rather than flowers) are delicate and can bruise easily, so avoid high-traffic areas.<\/p>\n

Tip: To cut and use poinsettias in flower arrangements or on wreaths, plunge the cut end of the stem into boiling water for about a minute or singe the end with a match to stop the sap from running. Then place the stem in cool water for a day. Cut flowers can last a week or so.<\/em><\/p>\n

Check Water Levels Daily<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Test the soil daily by pushing your fingers into it. If it feels dry, water lightly. Make sure to moisten the soil without causing water to drain excessively through the bottom of the pot. If your poinsettia came wrapped in colorful foil, punch holes through the bottom of the foil to allow the pot to drain. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is the most common reason poinsettias fail.<\/p>\n

Debunking the Toxicity Myth<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias and their sap are not deadly to humans or animals. While ingesting them can cause mild irritation, such as a rash in the mouth or an upset stomach, poinsettias are generally harmless. However, the sap may cause minor skin irritation for some people.<\/p>\n

Download a Poinsettia Care Sheet<\/a><\/p>\n

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How to Make a Poinsettia Bloom<\/h2>\n

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The\u00a0poinsettia is a long-night plant; that is, it flowers when the days are only 8-10 hours in length. As this plant would typically bloom in the spring, following its natural winter conditions, tricking the plant into an early winter means spring-blooming can take place for Christmas. To encourage your poinsettia to bloom in time for the holidays, you’ll need to simulate these conditions through a process called “short-day treatment.”<\/p>\n

Timing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

To initiate flowering, limit the plant to only 8 or 9 hours of good bright light each day for six to eight weeks, starting at the end of September. The other 15 to 16 hours should be dark (in a closet, under a box, etc.) This will encourage the plant to produce the colorful bracts that make it so iconic during the holiday season.<\/p>\n

Caring for Your Poinsettia While Encouraging Blooms<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While undergoing short-day treatment, it\u2019s essential to continue watering the plant as needed but avoid fertilizing. Any disruption to the plant\u2019s long night period can interfere with bud formation, so be consistent with the light and dark cycles.<\/p>\n

Ending the Short-Day Treatment<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Once the bracts begin to darken or show color, stop the short-day treatment. At this point, the plant will continue to deepen in color naturally, completing the blooming process just in time for the holiday season.<\/p>\n

Tip for Post-Holiday Poinsettias Care<\/h2>\n

Caring for a poinsettia after the holiday season ensures it thrives year-round and can bloom again next year. Here\u2019s how to keep your poinsettia healthy during its off-season:<\/p>\n