Poinsettias – The Simple Care Guide

Is there a plant that says “winter” more than the classic poinsettia? Maybe a Christmas tree – but those are in a league of their own. 

For all the joy these little plants bring during the holiday, Poinsettia maintenance can be a real grinch in most households! 

Here are a few tips on how to care for your poinsettias to ensure that their blooms stay around for as long as possible. 

Keep Poinsettias Warm With Ample Sunlight

Believe it or not, poinsettias are tropical plants (feliz navidad)! 

Of course, they don’t muster up the same image that comes to mind when we picture our usual tropical houseplant, although they are. Now being of a tropical variety we should treat them as such! 

This means lots of sunlight — a sunny window with east, west, or southern exposure is best. 

Additionally, try to keep the temperature between 65 and 70 degrees during the day. Most homes float around these temperatures in the winter so that can be easily achieved.

With our Canadian weather, we should keep in mind that drafty windows will be a silent killer for poinsettias. So, make sure you keep them a comfortable distance away from windows to see the healthiest long-term results. 

Water, Water, Water

Make sure to water your poinsettia whenever the surface of the soil feels dry. A healthy watering is key – but make sure you don’t soak the soil. 

For drainage purposes, keep gravel in the base of the pot. This will provide the best conditions for long-lasting root health. 

Lastly, if your home is dry all winter you should consider a humidifier or mister. These devices can help keep poinsettias (and nearly every other plant) hydrated over the colder season. 

How to Prevent Leaf Loss

If you see leaf loss don’t be so quick to blame your significant other! It’s best to work through a checklist in your head and use the process of elimination. 

Is the plant near a drafty window? Is it touching a cold window? Is it too warm or dry in the room? Is the soil dry to the touch or is it soaking wet? 

Once you have an idea of what could be the reason for leaf loss, follow the guidance that we stated above for each issue. You should be back on track in no time. 

We should also mention that Fora Outdoor has a wide range of sizes and colour options for all your Poinsettia needs. 

If you need your seasonal fix of Poinsettias – Please visit us in Norwich or Ancaster today to get yours for the holiday season and beyond!