No other plant says "the holiday season" quite like a Poinsettia. Their beautiful red leaves are one of the biggest symbols of December for florists everywhere. Poinsettias are not only available in red but in white, different shades of pink and variegated. Many people do not realize how easy Poinsettias can be to care for. Once you know what you are doing, Poinsettias can last all year long. Whether your Poinsettia is being given as a gift or used to decorate a home or office, here is how to keep your Poinsettia looking gorgeous well past the holiday season.
1. Choose a healthy plant.
Choose a plant that is full, evenly balanced and free of drooping or yellow leaves. This will help set you up for success.
2. Find the Perfect Spot.
Poinsettias are tropical plants believe it or not. They love bright light but it needs to be in indirect sunlight. Too much direct light can burn their leaves. A sunny window that gets sun for about 6-8 hours of indirect light is perfect.
3. Keep it Warm.
A common misconception about Poinsettias is that because they are available during the cold season, this means they like a cold environment. When in actuality, they are tropical plants. They will die very quickly if kept outdoors. Anything below 55 degrees can damage their leaves. With that being said, Poinsettias should never be placed directly next to the furnace. Normal indoor temperatures of about 65 degrees - 75 degrees is just fine.
4. Don't Forget to Water, but Not Too Much.
Water your Poinsettia about once a week. Water only when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Make sure there is alot of drainage for your Poinsettia so it does not sit in water for too long. When the leaves start drooping, that means it's time to water. Don't worry if the leaves start looking too droopy. Sometimes after a nice long soak your Poinsettia will perk right back up. A watering once a week is usually a good rule of thumb. If the room is too hot it may need more or if it's too cold it may need less.
5. Humidity Helps.
Try not to keep your Poinsettia in a very dry room. Placing the pot on a tray of water and pebbles will help increase humidity. Just be sure the bottom of the plant is not touching the water. A light misting can also help increase humidity for them.
We hope some of these tips help. If you have any other further questions do not hesitate to reach out and we will be more than happy to assist. Happy Holidays!
