The poinsettia is such a part of American holidays that you might assume that we inherited it, like so many other Christmas traditions, from old European sources. In truth, their history is both older and newer than you might think, and of a distinctively American character.
Read our blog from last year to learn about the origin and history of the poinsettia, and how it became our favorite holiday plant; even being granted it’s very own day of recognition – National Poinsettia Day.
Getting Your Poinsettia Through the Holidays
Poinsettias are grown as indoor plants here in our Zone 8 Willamette Valley. Native to Mexico, they won’t fend well if left outside during our cold winter days and nights. So know before you buy – poinsettias will stay beautiful for you through the holiday season if grown indoors, and also if given a bit of attention.
Light & Temperature
Place your plant where it will receive at least 6 hours of bright light. Poinsettias feel cozy in temperatures from 65-70 degrees F, so place them where the temperatures remain constant. Avoid setting them in areas with cold drafts, near fireplaces, fans or space heaters.
Water
Simply put – keep the top of the soil slightly moist to the touch.
Water your plants when the top of the soil feels ever so dry, or the potted plant feels on the lighter side when you pick it up. Keep an eye on your plant as a trained eye can tell when the leaves begin to have a slight wilt. At the point of wilt, water immediately.
At time of watering, make sure to let the water drain freely out of the pot. Don’t let the plant sit in the excess water and be allowed to soak up that extra moisture. Too wet of soil can quickly lead to root rot, and there really isn’t much hope for the plant to recover at that point.
Growing Beyond the Season
Poinsettias are typically treated like annuals as they provide us with a lovely season of beauty, but eventually grow out of their main attraction. However, with a little extra TLC and commitment, a determined gardener can try their hand at making these last.
Here are some tips for those of you who want to go the distance with your poinsettia:
Fertilize
When you see new growth (new leaves, stems or bracts), generally beginning in January, then fertilize with a water soluble all-purpose houseplant food, such as Fertilome All Purpose Plant Food. Mix at half strength, and feed every 3 to 4 weeks. Set a reminder on your phone to easily remember.
In early fall, reduce the fertilizer to a quarter the strength. Stop fertilizing around Thanksgiving.
Cutting Back
When the plant starts to become leggy, possibly around mid-February, cut back the stems to about 5 inches tall which will promote compact growth. Cut out faded and dried leaf stems, keeping the soil surface clear of fallen leaves.
Around late May or late spring, to promote side branching trim off 2 to 3 inches of the branches. Trim again in early July.
Transplant
Give your poinsettia extra room to grow, and transplant in late spring or early summer. The larger container should only be about 2 to 4 inches bigger than the original pot. Use a premium potting soil that includes peat moss, such as G&B Organics Blue Ribbon Blend.
Light & Location
This is the challenging bit to get your poinsettia colorful again for the next holiday season.
Poinsettias need to be excluded from light for a period of time. This reduction in light is what causes the green plant to turn red, pink or white depending on the variety. This is the timeline to follow in order to get your poinsettia to turn color:
- Keep plant indoors through June, and growing in a brightly light location.
- Move the plant outdoors in the beginning of summer. Keep the plant in a spot where it will receive indirect light, and be shaded from the afternoon sun. After around 2 to 3 weeks, move it to a spot where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight (remember to water consistently & keep fertilizing).
- In early September, bring the plants back indoors where it will receive direct light, at least 6 hours or more of the day.
- Starting around the first day of fall, begin giving the plant 16 hours of uninterrupted darkness, and 8 hours of bright light, every day. This phase is often done by placing the plant in a closet or placing a box over the plant. It is imperative that the plant doesn’t receive any hint of light at any time during the dark periods. Expose your plant to cooler temperatures a night, no lower than 60 degrees F.
- Mid- to late November, place the plant in a sunny location indoors that will receive at least 6 hours of direct light.
We wish you all the luck and hope your poinsettia brings you another season of beauty and joy!
This information and more can be referenced HERE.
Order a Poinsettia
The holiday season is the only time of year to find these classics. Let their beauty and color brighten your days and gatherings.