Caring for your
Poinsettia
The
length of time your poinsettia will give you pleasure in your
home is dependent on (1) the maturity of the plant, (2) when you
buy it, and (3) how you treat the plant. With care, poinsettias
should retain their beauty for weeks and some varieties will
stay attractive for months.
 ·
After you have made your poinsettia selection,
make sure it is wrapped properly because exposure to low
temperatures even for a few minutes can damage the bracts and
leaves.
·
Unwrap your poinsettia carefully and place in a
sunny window. Keep the plant from touching cold windows.
·
Keep poinsettias away from warm or cold drafts
from radiators, air registers or open doors and windows.
·
Ideally poinsettias require daytime temperatures
of 60 to 70°F and night time temperatures around 55°F. High
temperatures will shorten the plant’s life. Move the plant to
a cooler room at night, if possible.
·
Check the soil daily. Be sure to punch holes in
foil so water can drain into a saucer. Water when soil is dry.
Allow water to drain into the saucer and discard excess water.
·
Fertilize the poinsettia if you keep it past the
holiday season. Apply a houseplant fertilizer once a month.
|
