What To Know
- You can increase the humidity around the plant by misting it with water or by placing it on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
- Repot the plant when the roots start to grow out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
- If you live in a warm climate, you may be able to keep your poinsettia plant outdoors in a protected area during the summer months.
With their vibrant red, white, or pink bracts, poinsettias are a popular choice for holiday decorations. But did you know that you can also grow poinsettias as houseplants? With the right care, poinsettias can thrive indoors and bloom for months. If you’re wondering how to get poinsettia to grow, follow these simple steps:
1. Choose the Right Poinsettia
When choosing a poinsettia, look for a plant with healthy, green leaves and brightly colored bracts. Avoid plants with wilted leaves or yellowing bracts. You should also choose a plant that is the right size for your space.
2. Provide the Right Growing Conditions
Poinsettias prefer bright, indirect light. They should be placed in a spot where they will receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. Poinsettias also need warm temperatures, between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing poinsettias near drafts or heat sources.
3. Water Properly
Poinsettias need to be watered regularly, but they should not be allowed to sit in water. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant.
4. Fertilize Regularly
Poinsettias need to be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer. Avoid using fertilizers that are high in nitrogen, as this can cause the plant to produce too much foliage and not enough flowers.
5. Pinch Back the Stems
To encourage branching and flowering, pinch back the stems of the poinsettia plant. This should be done when the plant is about 6 inches tall. Pinching back the stems will also help to keep the plant from getting too tall and leggy.
6. Provide Adequate Humidity
Poinsettias prefer high humidity. You can increase the humidity around the plant by misting it with water or by placing it on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
7. Repot as Needed
As the poinsettia plant grows, it will need to be repotted into a larger pot. Repot the plant when the roots start to grow out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
Wrapping Up: Unleashing the Beauty of Poinsettias
With a little care and attention, you can successfully grow poinsettias indoors and enjoy their beautiful blooms for months to come. Remember to provide the right growing conditions, water properly, fertilize regularly, pinch back the stems, provide adequate humidity, and repot as needed. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to keep your poinsettia plant thriving and blooming season after season.
What You Need to Know
- Q: Why are the leaves on my poinsettia turning yellow?
A: Yellowing leaves on a poinsettia plant can be caused by several factors, including overwatering, underwatering, lack of light, or nutrient deficiency. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Ensure the plant receives enough indirect sunlight and fertilize it regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
- Q: Why are the bracts on my poinsettia falling off?
A: Bracts falling off a poinsettia plant can be caused by several factors, including stress, lack of light, or improper watering. Make sure the plant is getting enough indirect sunlight, watering it properly, and avoiding exposing it to drafts or extreme temperatures.
- Q: Can I keep my poinsettia plant outdoors?
A: Poinsettias are not cold-hardy and cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. They should be kept indoors in a warm, sunny location. If you live in a warm climate, you may be able to keep your poinsettia plant outdoors in a protected area during the summer months.
