Poinsettia Care

Poinsettias are popular holiday plants known for their colorful bracts that surround the small, yellow flowers in the center. Let me share some tips on how to care for them after the holiday season. Start by placing your poinsettia in a location with bright, indirect light, as direct sunlight can cause the bracts to fade or dry out. They thrive in temperatures between 65-70°F during the day and slightly cooler at night, around 60-65°F. Water your poinsettia when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Ensure the pot has proper drainage, and water evenly around the base of the plant. Poinsettias also prefer a humid environment, so consider misting the air around the plant if the air is dry. After the holiday season, you can fertilize your poinsettia with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season but avoid fertilizing while the plant is in bloom. Once the blooming season is over, trim the plant back to about 6 inches from the soil to encourage new growth and maintain its shape. You can also prune it throughout the growing season to control its size. To encourage your poinsettia to bloom again the following year, it requires a special light cycle. Starting in early October, give the plant 12-14 hours of complete darkness each night for about 6 weeks, while ensuring it receives bright light during the day. By providing the right care, poinsettias can be enjoyed well beyond the holiday season, and bloom again the following year. I'm Eddie Smith, and I look forward to seeing you next time on Southern Gardening!