5 Helpful Tips For Poinsettia Care

Poinsettias are a great plant to have in your home around the holidays. Their gardening routine can also keep gardeners busy. 53 percent of people said that gardening made them feel more productive, and if they really wanted a rewarding challenge, they could work on caring for a poinsettia throughout the year.

Want to care for a poinsettia but not sure where to start? Here are five helpful tips for poinsettia care.

Give It Plenty Of Sunlight

One of the most important things to keep in mind when caring for poinsettias is that they need plenty of light to grow properly. Poinsettias come from Mexico and are tropical plants, so they bloom best when they’re placed in direct sunlight. Plus, putting them in direct sunlight will make their notorious red color become even richer.

Pay Attention To The Soil

Another important thing to do when caring for poinsettias is to pay close attention to the soil. Poinsettias should be planted in loose, well-drained organic soil. It’s also important that you plant the poinsettia at the same level of soil it was planted by the plant greenhouse. This will help it grow at an optimal rate and keep them healthier longer. It’s also recommended that poinsettia soil keep a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5.

Keep The Room The Right Temperature

It’s important that poinsettias grow in an environment where the temperature is regulated. While poinsettias bloom in the winter, they should be maintained in an environment that’s set between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If you bring them outside during the summer, bring them inside once the temperature falls. If they’re left outside in colder temperatures before they bloom, the frost could drastically stunt growth.

Stick To a Watering Schedule

You must stick to a set watering schedule when growing poinsettias. Poinsettias can wilt if they aren’t watered enough, so make sure you monitor their soil daily. If the soil feels dry, water it until water drains out the bottom. It’s important to keep the plant watered properly, but you don’t want to overwater it either.

Plan The Rebloom

Poinsettias bloom during the winter, but you can plan to have them rebloom throughout the year. Many people aim for them to bloom around Christmas since they have a vibrant red color. Once they do bloom, you can start to plan the next cycle of upkeep and bloom.

You can start watering and sunning the poinsettia in January. Then, throughout the spring and summer months, you can re-pot it and alternate it between shady areas and well-lit areas. In the fall, you can keep it inside at the proper temperature and alternate it between dark and well-lit areas.

Caring for poinsettias can be a very rewarding process, especially during the holiday season. A year-long care schedule can yield lovely results and provide excellent decor options for the holidays. The key is to be prepared for the level of care poinsettias need and keeping to a set routine so they can bloom properly.

Schwartz’s Greenhouse has an extensive assortment of poinsettias in many colors and sizes.  Call or stop by for the healthiest poinsettia selection in Southeast Michigan.