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Ask Gwen

December 2007

Poinsettia

Question: Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

I just received a poinsettia for the holidays. I am wondering how to take care of it.

Answer:

With care, poinsettia will give you pleasure for weeks and some varieties will stay attractive for months. The length of time is dependent on three factors:

1) when you buy it,

2) the maturity of the plant, and

3) how you treat the plant.

Make sure the poinsettia is wrapped properly after you buy the plant. It should be wrapped in two or three sheets of newspaper with a covering of wrapping paper or a plastic bag with air blown into it to keep the cold from harming the plant. Any exposure to low temperatures, even for a few minutes, can damage bracts and leaves.

When you get your plant home, unwrap your poinsettia carefully and place in bright filtered light.

Six hours of light daily is ideal. Rotate the plant daily to ensure it is receiving light on all sides.

Keep the plant away from warm or cold drafts from radiators, air registers, or open doors and windows.

Poinsettias require normal daytime temperatures and cooler nighttime temperatures, if possible.

High temperatures will shorten the plant’s life.

Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. If your poinsettia is wrapped in foil, punch holes in the bottom to allow water to drain into a saucer. Discard excess water, as poinsettias don’t like to sit in water.

Water when soil is dry. Wilted plants will tend to drop bracts sooner.

If you want to keep the plant past the holiday season, apply a houseplant fertiliser once a month.

Do not fertilise poinsettia when the plant it is in bloom.

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