Poinsettia Care Outdoors

November 16, 2024 Post a Comment

Poinsettia care outdoors

For an interesting, unusual outdoor plant, poinsettias can be taken outside in the spring when the danger of a freeze is past. Place the plant in a shady location, and it can be enjoyed throughout the summer. To keep the plant small and compact, cut it back about mid-July and early September to stimulate branching.

Can poinsettias be outside in the cold?

Don't expose your poinsettia to temperatures below 50 degrees. Examine the soil before watering your poinsettia each day. Water only if surface is dry to the touch. Over watering will make the leaves turn yellowish in color and fall off, while under watering will cause the plant to wilt and lose its leaves.

Do poinsettias like sun or shade?

Light: Place your poinsettias in an area where they'll receive a minimum of six hours of bright (but not direct) sunlight each day. Temperature: These plants prefer temperatures from 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and from 60 to 65 degrees at night.

Can poinsettia be outside in full sun?

Plant poinsettias in full sun but in a place that does not receive any artificial light from the street, porch or house. Artifical light confuses them, and they will stay green. They like to be kept fairly dry. If you desire a bushier plant, they can be pruned twice, in June and late August.

How often should I water my outdoor poinsettia?

Water the poinsettia when the pot becomes lightweight or when the soil becomes dry to the touch, about once a week. Water the plant thoroughly in a sink, letting it drain, before putting it back where it was.

Do you keep poinsettias inside or outside in winter?

Move to a colder place where the temperature never goes over 60 degrees and out of sunlight. Keep it indoors if you live in dry and hot areas of the country. Sometime in May, repot the poinsettia in a bigger container.

What temperature kills poinsettia?

Poinsettias will suffer damage if they are exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees F. Freezing temperatures will kill poinsettias.

How do you keep poinsettias alive in the winter?

After all the leaves have fallen, store the plant, in its pot, in a cool (50 to 60°F), dry, dark area. Keep the plant somewhat on the dry side; water only enough to keep the stems from withering.

When should I put my poinsettia in the dark?

Poinsettias are short-day plants, meaning their bud set is affected by the length of daylight. To re-bloom, they need 10 weeks with 12 hours of light per day. To artificially create this, it is crucial that you are diligent. Beginning October 1st, keep your plant in complete darkness from 5 pm to 8 am.

How long does a poinsettia live?

How long can you keep a Poinsettia alive? That depends on how well you follow the tips above, but on average a well-cared for poinsettia should last about 4-6 weeks until the flowers start to fall off and you can keep the plant healthy and alive for many months after the holidays come to an end.

Do poinsettias turn red again?

Poinsettias are a festive classic, a plant famous for its beautiful red bracts that go very well with Christmas decor. And although poinsettias are often bought as annuals, they actually are perennials and will turn red again with the correct care.

How do you make a poinsettia turn red?

These colored leaves only appear during days with the shortest daylight hours. To make them turn red, you need to reduce exposure to light. As early as September, place it in a room that is exclusively lit up by natural light, and check that it stays in complete darkness for 14 hours on a 24 hour day.

Do poinsettias need a lot of water?

Water your poinsettia plant only when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Thoroughly moisten the soil to the point that water is draining from the bottom of the growing pot. Discard any excess water that builds up in the saucer or decorative foil pot cover.

Do poinsettias like heat or cold?

Poinsettias like bright light, out of direct sunlight. Additionally they need to be away from draughts and like minimum temperature of 13-16°C (55-60°F), so somewhre like a table a little away from a window in a living room is usually ideal.

Do poinsettias like hot weather?

Poinsettias do not like drafts or anyplace too warm; high temperatures will shorten plant lives. They prefer daytime temperatures of 60 to 70 degrees and nighttime temperatures of about 55 degrees. If possible move the plant to a cooler room at night.

Why are the leaves on my poinsettia falling off?

Poinsettias will classically drop their leaves if they are exposed to sudden changes in temperature, drafts or overly cool or dry rooms. They also will lose leaves and wilt in response to an extreme need for water. When choosing a plant, pick a healthy, full one with no discoloration on the foliage.

What does an overwatered poinsettia look like?

Over-watering will cause the lower leaves to turn yellow and drop. Over-watered plants may also develop root rots and die. Dry plants wilt and also drop leaves prematurely.

Do poinsettias like to be wet or dry?

Poinsettias prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid placing them in drafty areas or where there is excessive heat (a general rule for all of your houseplants), and remember not to place them near a fireplace or on appliances (again, a heat issue).

Can I put coffee grounds in my poinsettia?

According to Gardening Know How, poinsettias do well using any all-purpose houseplant fertilizer. If you don't want to go store-bought though, consider mixing coffee grounds or some a little finished compost into the soil. The added nitrogen will help keep your poinsettia extra healthy.