Christmas Poinsettia Plant Care

Holidays just wouldn't be the same without the colorful poinsettia plants. These plants are found in homes everywhere come Christmas time. The red leaves on the Poinsettia plants colorfully announce that the holiday season has arrived. The traditional red color of the Poinsettia plant is now joined by colors of white, pinks, and even spotted varieties.

Taking care of the Poinsettia is relatively simple during the month of December, but with the proper attention, these plants can be around for the next holiday season.

During the holiday season, keep the Poinsettia plant in a sunny location for most of the day. A north or west-facing window would be good. Keep the leaves from touching cold windowpanes because the poinsettia can prematurely drop its leaves from cold and chill.

Check the soil often, and water when it feels dry to the touch. Do not over water as soil that is too wet lacks enough air, which will lead to root injury.

Keep Poinsettia plants away from children and pets. The leaves may cause stomach upsets if they are ingested.

The flowers and foliage will drop off about 5-6 weeks after they have fully bloomed. For the next few weeks, reduce watering and feeding to about once a week.

After the risk of frost is past, the Poinsettia can be planted outside in a garden bed. Fertilize with a slow release fertilizer in spring. Keep a regular watering schedule. If you remember to pinch back the stems several inches in late July or early August, it will help the plants become denser and bushier.

In fall, the Poinsettia plant can be dug up and brought back inside.

To repot the plant, use soiless-potting mix, not potting soil. Check with your local nursery for the correct mix. Use a pot that is at least an inch wider than the root ball on all sides, and as deep as possible to promote good drainage. Fill the pot about a third of the way, place the plant into the pot, and fill with the soiless mix. Press gently around the root ball and water generously.

Keep the plant once again in a bright and draft free spot to rejuvenate.

From October until Thanksgiving, Poinsettias need a routine of light, then dark, then light again. This promotes the flower bud formation. You can accomplish this routine by placing the plant in a dark cool closet or cupboard every evening, and bringing it back out in to the light in the morning. You can also cover the plant in the evening with a paper bag, and remove it in the morning.

In December, you can stop this routine, and keep the Poinsettia in a sunny location. It will begin to develop its color in time for the holiday season once again.