Don't Kill Another Poinsettia by Gretchen Erle

I cannot even count how many poinsettias I've tossed in the trash, and if you're anything like me then you're probably guilty of poinsettia murder too. But did you know that if you follow a few tips you can enjoy the blooms next year? Coaxing them to come back is easier than you think-just keep the following guidelines in mind.


Keeping it alive


You'll have to make sure you keep your poinsettia alive this holiday season before you worry about getting it to come back next year. Just follow the advice below.


Sunlight


Poinsettias prefer indirect sunlight. You'll want to make sure your poinsettia receives 6 hours of indirect sunlight a day.


Watering


Abide by standard rules for watering houseplants and your poinsettias will be fine. After you get your new poinsettia home, be sure to give it a thorough watering. Make sure you never allow your poinsettia to sit in standing water, and only water it when the soil is dry to the touch since you don't want to overwater it. Never fertilize it when it is in bloom.


Temperature


Poinsettias like temperatures similar to what you like. Don't place them near drafts or heat vents, and keep temperatures in the 65-75 temperature range. Never put your poinsettia outside in the cold.


After the bloom


The flowers will eventually start dying. Don't change up its watering schedule but you should start fertilizing it every 2-3 weeks. Use a good all-purpose fertilizer and never fertilize it when it is blooming.


Once spring arrives you can start cutting it back. Put your plant outside so it can soak up some warm sunlight but make sure there is no chance of frost. You may want to transplant your poinsettia once springtime comes to an end. Find a pot that is a few inches larger than its current pot and try to use a potting mix that has peat moss in it.


Time to sleep


In order for your poinsettia to bloom again, you will have to expose it to conditions similar to what it's used to. You will need to make sure it has total darkness for 14 hours a day. You can just stick a large box over the top of the poinsettia.


During the remaining of the time expose your poinsettia to bright sunlight. Maintain its watering and fertilizing schedule.


If you follow the steps above then you should be able to enjoy its beauty next season as well!

About the Author

I am an avid gardener who loves plants, flowers and all things green! :-)