The poinsettia, second only to the Christmas tree as the season’s favourite festive houseplant, not only adds a splash of red and green to your home during the holidays but can also flourish long after the celebrations are over.
Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal, has shared how to “keep poinsettias thriving post-Christmas”.
He advised: “By following these care tips, your poinsettias can not only survive but flower and thrive well beyond the Christmas season.”
To ensure your poinsettias remain vibrant, there are three essential care steps plus a reblooming trick for the following year in October.
1. Bright indirect light
For optimal growth, poinsettias require “need bright, indirect sunlight” and should be placed near a window that gets plenty of light without the harshness of direct sun, which could “scorch the leaves”.
A window that allows for morning or evening light is ideal for keeping your poinsettia content.
The intensity of the bracts’ colour is directly linked to the amount of light the plant receives – more light equals deeper colour.
2. Correct temperature
When it comes to temperature, poinsettias have a sweet spot, preferring steady daytime temperatures between 18 to 21 degrees and cooler evenings.
Gene emphasised the importance of stability: “Avoid placing them near draughts, vents, or radiators, as fluctuating temperatures can cause stress.”
If the thermostat is constantly nudging above 21 degrees, your beloved poinsettia could start to suffer from its thirst level.
Given their roots in Mexico and Central America, poinsettias “thrive” when there’s moisture in the air.
To battle the typical dry home conditions in winter, consider using a humidifier, or simply pop a water tray by your botanical buddy to ramp up the humidity.
3. Watering
For a tip-top poinsettia, drench the soil “when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch”.
Don’t forget a pot with holes on the bottom is vital to avoid a soggy catastrophe that “can lead to root rot”.
For those who want their poinsettia reblooming next year, owners need to ensure their plant gets a full 14 hours of undisturbed darkness each night for eight to 10 weeks starting in early October.
However, don’t skimp on the daylight as they need plenty of that too. This routine is just replicating what they go through in the wild.
