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Garden Tips Newsletter

Poinsettia Care during the Holidays
December 14, 2009

  • Place the poinsettia in a bright location in the home where it can receive indirect light.  Although it can withstand direct sunlight, watering requirements will increase and the flowers will not last as long. 
  • Keep poinsettias away from drafts, HVAC vents and home heaters.
  • Avoid letting the bracts touch the cold windowpanes, since the transfer of outdoor temperatures can cause damage. 
  • Overwatering is a major cause of early leaf and bract drop in poinsettias, keep the plant moist, but not soggy. 
  • If the poinsettia came with a plastic decorator wrap, either punch drainage holes in the bottom of the plastic wrap or remove it for proper drainage. 
  • Place the plant on a drainage saucer. 
  • When needed, water the plants thoroughly until the water drains out into the saucer.  Then pour off excess water so that the potting soil does not become soggy. 
  • Maintain temperatures of 68°-72° during the day and around 60-65 degrees at night, not below 50 degrees. 
  • It is not necessary to fertilize the plants when in flower.

Lelia Scott Kelly, Ph.D., writes Garden Tips weekly and is a Horticulture Specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Her office is in the North Mississippi Research & Extension Center, Verona.