Poinsettia Care Tips
Quick and Easy Tips for Caring for Your Poinsettia
Placement: Place your poinsettia in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight and cold drafts, as both can cause leaf drop.
Temperature: Poinsettias prefer temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night. Avoid extreme temperature changes.
Watering: Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid letting it sit in water. Overwatering can cause root rot. Ensure good drainage in the pot.
Humidity: Poinsettias prefer humid environments. You can increase humidity by placing the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water or by using a humidifier.
Avoiding Stress: Poinsettias are sensitive to stress. Once you find a good spot for your plant, try to avoid moving it around too much or exposing it to sudden changes in temperature or light.
Fertilization: During the blooming season, feed the poinsettia with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month.
Pruning: If the plant becomes leggy or overgrown, you can prune it after the blooming season (usually in spring). Cut back the stems to encourage new growth.
Post-Holiday Care: After the holidays, continue caring for the poinsettia as usual. With proper care, they can last well beyond the holiday season and even bloom again the following year.
Remember, poinsettias are not poisonous, contrary to popular belief, but it’s still best to keep them out of reach of pets and small children as ingesting the leaves might cause mild stomach upset.