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Poinsettia care

Poinsettia care
One of the traditional and most popular holiday flowers is the Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). The delicate, yet dazzling flowers (bracts) range from huge bushes to miniatures plants and come in assorted colors that are sure to make the holiday brighter.
There is nothing more impressive than the classic deep red Poinsettia. On the other hand, snowflake white given the right setting has a most elegant appeal; whereas delicate shades of pink (Monet), mauves (Plum Pudding) burgundy(Cortez, Cranberry Punch)can easily be coordinated to any home decor. Each year more colors and varieties are available to peak our interest. The new Freedom series are known for their vibrant color and large bracts.

red poinsettia

When selecting a poinsettia look for dark healthy leaves no yellowing bottom leaves. The bracts (leaves that work as petals) should be bright and completely colored. The true flowers are the tightly clustered, small, green or red-tipped flowers in the center of the bracts. Yellow pollen will shorten the life of the flowers. Do not choose a plant that is wilted or drooping.

Care
Poinsettias are very sensitive to the cold so if the temperature is below 50 degrees outside make sure that it is wrapped for protection when you buy it.
In order to maintain a healthy Poinsettia and longer bloom during the holiday season place the plant in bright diffused light for at least 6 hours a day, away from heating vents (hot dry air) and cold drafts. A temperature of 55-60 degrees at night and 72 during the day along with high humidity is ideal. The cool night temperatures will extend blooming time. Keep the plant evenly moist as moisture fluctuation, cold/hot drafts can cause premature leaf drop. When watering, do not let it stand in water, be sure to slip off the decorative foil cover (if there is one) or punch a hole in the cover to drain the excess water.

Contrary to beliefs, Poinsettias are not toxic. If you have a latex allergy, the sap from the leaves can irrate your skin. According to Poisindex, a 50# child would have to eat 500 bracts to get a stomach ache. Of course resulting reaction may vary with individuals. Poinsettia are not edible and as with all houseplants, should not to be eaten.

Have a safe and happy holiday!!
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December 2nd, 2006 | Category: Poinsettia, SEASONAL GARDENING | 38 comments
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38 comments to Poinsettia care

  • Bonnie Kimsey
    August 27th, 2006 at 7:14 am · Reply

    I have two Poinsettia potted plants that I have had since Dec. 2005. They were beautiful until I noticed a cluster of white looking things on the back side of the leaves and around the stems. Please advise if there is anything that can be done or should I just destroy the plants.

    It’s possible that you have mealy bugs. Check the article on Mealy bug for treatment.

  • Kris
    September 18th, 2006 at 12:23 am · Reply

    Is it possible to prune a Pointsetta? If so, how and when? I have one that is almost 3 years old and is getting very tall and scraggly. I have staked it, but now it is even growing taller.
    Thank you! Shawna

    The best time to prune your pointsettia is in the spring(May), when the plant is ready to move outdoors. You can cut the stems by half or cut back the old stems 4-6 inches above the soil line to stimulate new growth. Fertilize lightly once a month with a 20-20-20 during the growing period. Also, to control the height pinch back in early July and August to get more branching.

  • Thomas
    November 19th, 2006 at 1:29 pm · Reply

    I have a poinsettia that’s starting to rebloom, but the leafs are turning brown and falling. Please HELP!

    Make sure that the plant is not by a heating vent or cold draft and is getting enough humidity. Fluctuation in soil moisture, cold temperatures can also cause leaf drop. Another important possibility is watering, either too much or too little will cause the tips to turn brown.

  • Christa
    November 25th, 2006 at 8:34 am · Reply

    why are the Pointsetta’s leaves turning yellow and dropping? with other plants I’d say it means overwatering, but I’ve been watering only when soil is dry, and there is good drainage (no foil), and a small clay pot. When we got the plant, the soil was very wet, but I don’t keep it that way. Please advise - thanks, Chris

    The problem could have started when you bought the plant. If it was very wet, chances are that whoever cared for it, overwatered it causing root rot problems. The plant may recover depending on how extensive the damage is to the roots.

  • Arlee Reach
    December 13th, 2006 at 4:49 pm · Reply

    Is it possible to revive a wilted Poinsettia?

    It depends on what is causing it to wilt. If it is wilting because the soil is dry, then it should respond to watering. On the other hand, if it wilted because it has been watered too much, then the roots are rotting and the plant most likely will not revive. You can tell if it is overwatered when the soil is wet and the plant is still wilted. Let the plant dry out and water when the pot feels light.

  • Dinah Kapitan
    April 8th, 2007 at 10:36 am · Reply

    In the wild, do Poinsettias naturally drop their leaves, or does this occur only indoors?

    Poinsettia do drop their leaves in the wild but not all at the same time and replace them with new growth.

  • Gladys
    April 9th, 2007 at 10:24 am · Reply

    Put poinsettia outdoors for summer
    I have 4 poinsettia from the Holidays and are still blooming. I have them in a south window on a table where they get indirect light. I know I can put them outside after the frost is over, I live in Utah. Do I put the in an indirect setting out there? Like morning sun and afternoon shade?

    You can set your pointsettia in a partially shaded area in your flowerbed or patio. Filtered sun and are protection from the afternoon sun, should be fine.

    Can I plant my poinsettia outside ?

    Yes, when the danger of frost has passed(May) since it is a tropical plant. It will bloom in the summer when the days are long. If you have frost where you live you will need to bring it back in for the winter.

    Can I plant my poinsettia outside ?

    Yes, when the danger of frost has passed(May) since it is a tropical plant. It will bloom in the summer when the days are long. If you have frost where you live you will need to bring it back in for the winter.

  • Pam
    September 13th, 2007 at 8:29 am · Reply

    I broke one of the branches off my poinsettia. Is there anything I can do to save it or should I just prune it?

    Thanks

    No, there’s nothing you can do to save it. Prune it off so that the wound can heal.

  • Cathy
    October 17th, 2007 at 10:29 am · Reply

    I have a question, I have a poinsettia that is now in a box from 5pm-8am, and on the window sill during the day. I have so many new buds and leaves coming out but the other leaves are curling up and dropping off. I wanted to know if that is normal. I was not sure, as I have never tried to rebloom a poinsettia. Please help me, I want this to work so bad. It was such a beautiful poinsettia and I have never had one rebloom before. Please let me know if I am doing anything wrong.

    Thanks…..Cathy

    It’s probably dropping some old leaves and from lower light conditions indoors. Be sure you water it regularly, feed it and give it enough sunlight during the day. See reblooming poinsettia for more info.

  • chana
    October 27th, 2007 at 8:56 am · Reply

    Propagate poinsettia from cuttings

    I am searching for information on a Poinsettia that is referred to as an Arubian Poinsettia. Could you please help me with care, propagating it, etc? Any knowledge is wonderful as I can not find any information on this.

    I have not found any cultivar by that name. You must be referring to a Poinsettia from Aruba. It would most likely have the same general care as any other poinsettia. To propagate a poinsettia- take a 3-4 inch tip cutting from a side shoot with 2-3 mature leaves, dip in water to seal in the latex then dip in a rooting medium (optional) and plant in a soil mix of peat moss, sand or perlite. Keep soil mix moist (not wet), maintain high humidity(mist) and temps at 70-80 F during the day and 70-60F at night. Cuttings should be in a shaded area to avoid wilting and take 3-4 weeks to root. Best time to take cutting is in early-mid August.

  • diane
    November 10th, 2007 at 3:37 pm · Reply

    I have a pointsettia it was beautiful and bright red leaves most of which fell off have many new leaves but they are green will they turn red again what can I do?

    Unless they go thru a long night/short day treatment, they will not turn red. See reblooming poinsettia

  • Edward Aubrey
    November 19th, 2007 at 7:52 am · Reply

    Need spray to kill mealy bugs.

    Look at the Mealy Bugs article for spraying suggestions.

  • Judy Willoughby
    December 26th, 2007 at 6:13 am · Reply

    I have my poinsettia plants outdoors(FL) and early in Sept I noticed that the leaves were turnning black along the edge and look wilted. What is causing this? How do I correct this problem? Thanks

    One of the problems that poinsettia can get growing outdoors is a magnesium deficiency. It is characterized by symptoms of yellowing leaves, marginal scorch(black edges)or tip burn starting at the base of the shoots and advancing to the tip. It is usually prevalent in sandy soils. An application of magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) twice a year will correct the problem. Apply once in Feb-March and June-July - 3 tBl per square yard.
    source: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu

  • Sandy Way
    January 1st, 2008 at 10:15 am · Reply

    My poinsettia has large red blooms and is beautiful, but the leaves are curling and slowly falling off. It has not dried out and the leaves are not turning yellow. The soil stays moist. Do you have any suggestions.
    The plant stays indoors. Thank you for any help. This is the most beautiful poinsettia I have ever had-it has been very healthly until the last 3 or 4 days.

    The leaves will curl and fall off from low humidity and dry indoor air. Increase the humidity by placing it on a pebble tray. Make sure the soil is evenly moist. Poinsettia will also drop it’s leaves if it is allowed to go dry and exposed to hot/cold drafts.

  • Michelle
    January 23rd, 2008 at 10:44 pm · Reply

    I have had a Poinsettia that I bought for Christmas last yr. and The leaves are dropping off. What I mainly was wanting to know is when do I fertilize it? and can I use Miricle Grow instead of the 20-20-20?

    You don’t need to fertilize until the spring (March-May)-after you cut down the plant and if it remains in the original soil. If you repot it in fresh soil, then you don’t need to fertilize until you set the plant outdoors (May). Fresh potting soil usually has enough nutrients to feed the plant for a few months. Miracle grow should be fine. For more info see Reblooming Poinsettia

  • Emilie
    February 19th, 2008 at 1:47 pm · Reply

    My house is quite cold because we try not to turn the heater on very often. We usually walk around in sweaters, and have a small space heater to warm our bodies when we need to. My poinsettia is wilting, though, as I guess it’s too cold for it… The soil feels damp and cool. If I gave it to a friend with a warmer home, would it revive, or is it dead? Or else, will it grow again when the weather starts warming up?
    Thank you!

    It is possible that is was too wet for the cool conditions and has some root problems thereby causing the plant to wilt. Let the plant dry out between waterings, also make sure it doesn’t sit in water - that may give the roots time to recover. The warmer environment should also help. Poinsettia will start to wilt and drop leaves this time of year but will start a new with warmer weather. See reblooming poinsettia for additional info.

  • Laura Weekes
    April 7th, 2008 at 1:51 pm · Reply

    Hi, I have a very old poinsettia in my yard in Los Angeles and it is about 15′ tall. It is next to the house where the water heater vents, and I would like to move it. Do you think it is transplantable?
    thank you.

    It should be transplantable. I have never transplanted it outdoors. It should be in a “dormant stage” not actively growing to have the best success. If you’re going to move it, do so before it sends out new growth and trim it down. Get as much of the root ball as you can. A plant uses a lot of energy to send out new growth making it difficult to adjust to root damage incurred in transplanting.

  • Ray
    July 25th, 2008 at 8:39 am · Reply

    I have a potted poinsettia for the past 3yrs, that has amazingly re-bloomed each year! Since I live in Southern Ontario, it turns dark by 5pm in the winter mths, & so I haven’t had to follow the tedious routine to ‘fool’ the plant. I still have a few red leaves, but the plant is now beginning to shed. I just moved it out on the balcony which barely gets any sun. It’s about 10″ tall & a bit lean at the 1st 4″. The stalks are brown & woody at the bottom, before becoming green with a lot of leaves. I was wondering if I need to cut it back. & any other tips to keep the plant bushy instead of leggy.
    Thanks!

    Hi Ray
    You can cut it back, its a little late but still doable. see reblooming poinsettias. It has insturctions on what you need to do.

  • Laura Mondoc
    August 6th, 2008 at 2:44 pm · Reply

    I have a large potted pointsettia plant that has bloomed beautifully for the past three years but recently it started producing large yellow mushrooms at the base of the plant, how should i get rid of these and what is the cause.

    Hi Laura
    What you have is a mushroom known as Leucocoprinus birnbaumii (Lepotia lutea)- a common houseplant mushrooms. It can come in the soil or organic matter. The mushroom will not harm the plant, in fact when it breaks down(dies) it will provide nutrients to the plant. They are known not to be poisonous to humans or animals but I would not eat them. Enjoy the novelty or remove them when they come up. For more info.http://botit.botany.wisc.edu/toms_fungi/mulch.html

  • florence van-steenbergen
    August 18th, 2008 at 5:10 am · Reply

    Have a few poinsettias on north side of house,all healthy-looking, except for one which always starts out flourishing and then, as now, begins to display brown curled leaves which drop, leaving a woody, unhealthy-looking plant. This plant is a few inches from air-conditioning unit. If this is the problem can I transplant now in Florida.

    Hi Florence
    The air conditioning is most likely the problem. The best time to prune and transplant your poinsettia is in early spring or after bloom when danger of frost has passed. In your case I would transplant it now, it should have enough time to establish itself before winter. Provide some shade until it recovers from transplant shock and keep it moderately moist but not too wet. A root stimulator will also help the plant recover quicker.

  • jojo
    December 15th, 2008 at 7:38 pm · Reply

    Poinsettia is not known for its fragrance. But my latest purchase from different nursery all emit a strong ‘rose-like’ fragrance from the center of the red leaves. Is it normal? We have 6 pots in the living/dining rooms and the fragrance is getting stronger everyday.

    Hi Jojo
    I am not aware of any poinsettia that has a sweet fragrance. I’m sure that if one was developed, the hybridzer would advertise it to the high heavens. Blooming plants give off a “fresh flower scent”. Is it possible that the plants were sprayed with a fragrance? or perhaps you have a new “accidental” hybrid that does have a sweet fragrance. At any rate, I would ask the nursery.

  • Andrew
    December 16th, 2008 at 5:51 am · Reply

    can i change the color that my poinsettia turns. i.e. it is red, can i make it white?

    HI Andrew
    Color comes from various pigments in the plant and genetics. Unless some mutation occurs, you cannot change the color from red to white.

  • SUsan
    December 21st, 2008 at 7:43 am · Reply

    I got a poinsettia last night at my office party but had a long cold walk back to my car and the plant was uncovered. Is there any way I can bring it back or will it come back on its own if I keep it throughout the year?

    HI Susan
    Poinsettia have a difficult time recovering from cold damage. It’s a wait and see situation. The plant may recover after a while but it won’t look pretty. The leaf edges and flowers will turn brown/black like the plant was scorched. The longer and colder exposure the more severe the symptoms will be. Once it sends out new growth, it should be fine.

  • janet
    January 12th, 2009 at 4:25 am · Reply

    green leaves drying out although watering plant frequently also going away for 2 weeks
    thanks janet

    Hi Janet
    Wilted green leaves can be a sign of underwatering. The plant wilts and drops its lower leaves. If you are overwatering the lower leaves will turn yellow and drop.
    When watering your poinsettia, be sure to soak the soil until it drains from the bottom of the pot. Allow the roots to absorb the water for 15-30 min. and then remove any excess water or you’ll get root rot. Keep in mind, once the peaty soil was allowed to get too dry, it becomes more difficult to rehydrate, water will run right through the pot and will not be abosorbed by the roots. It’s best to water the plant well and then wait till the top 2 inches of soil are dry to water again. If the soil is wet and the plant is still wilting, then your are overwatering and the plant may have root rot from sitting in too much water.

  • Estela
    January 15th, 2009 at 9:58 am · Reply

    hello, i bought a poinsettia for the holidays last year, and now, it looks like its dying…the leaves are still red, but they are very wilted and falling off….i would like to bring it back if possible…do you have any suggestions…

    Hi Estela
    Make sure you are watering properly. Not enough water will make the leaves wilt and drop and too much water will make them turn yellow and drop.
    Here’s an article to help you rebloom your poinsettia for next year

  • BingLi224
    January 18th, 2009 at 9:26 pm · Reply

    Hello, thanks for the interesting information, poinsettia plants are attractive. I am looking forward to growing it but I have some questions:

    A plant has been alive by my naive propagation as I am a very newbie, without any experience. The plant has been alive. The leaves are still ok. The flower hasn’t been appeared. But, anyway, nothing is growing up for several years.
    Is it possible to let it be better?
    Is it perennial plant?
    Thanks very much in advance.

    HI Bing
    I need more information. Where is the plant growing? Outside or in a pot indoors? Do you live in a warm climate?

  • BingLi224
    January 19th, 2009 at 9:31 pm · Reply

    Hi! Thanks for your interest of my problem.
    My plant has been in a pot indoors. About the climate, I probably should say it’s warm.

    Actually, I’m not sure how to measure correctly. I’m in Bangkok, quite a town area in the capital city of Thailand. Honestly, I presume that the heat is still acceptable because it has still being alive. Besides, it is in end of winter, and coming in to summer soon.

    I’m willing to sending some snapshots too, if you would like

    Hi Bing
    Poinsettia, a native plant of Mexico is a warm climate plant and naturally blooms in summer in the tropics after a winter of long nights (14 hrs of darkness). Your poinsettia may need to be fed with a well balanced soluble fertilizer (eg. 10-10-10) or to produce flowers.

  • Lizzy
    January 23rd, 2009 at 8:14 am · Reply

    I got my poinsettia before Christmas and have it indooors on a table. It has some black leaves on it, I pick them off. Is that the right thing to do? I’ve been reading that I should put it outside( I live in Houston). How should I re-pot it?

    Hi Lizzy
    It may be too cold outdoors for your poinsettia right now. It is a tropical plant and will not tolerate temperatures below 50F. It’s fine to remove the blackened leaves. Place the poinsettia outdoors when night temperatures are above 50F. After you cut the plant back (Feb/March), repot it in a slightly larger pot if the plant is too large for the old pot. Use a light peat moss/vermiculite or perlite soil mix and keep the plant in a warm sunny window.

  • Jeanne
    February 4th, 2009 at 9:26 am · Reply

    I have a poinsettia that I got around December- it was beatiful and flowered. Over the holiday break, I accidentally left it at work, and when I came back it was wilted. Now, all the leaves have fallen off and it’s just a bunch of stalks. I have read differing opinions on letting it dry out completely or watering it lightly, repotting, and trimming. What should I do to ensure that this plant will come back and flower later on this year? Also, what exactly does “cutting back” mean? Thanks for your help!

    Hi Jeanne
    The article on reblooming poinsettia should tell you what you need to know. “Cutting” back means to cut the stem off to a certain point in this instance leaving around 6 inches of stem.

  • Beth
    February 8th, 2009 at 7:57 pm · Reply

    I have a very healthy poinsettia and my dog knocked it off the table breaking a very large stem off with smaller stems and leaves on it. Is their anyway to start another plant from this broken stem? It seems like a waste to throw it away but it is starting to wilt.

    HI Beth
    It will be difficult this time of year but if you want to try, see the comment from Chana 10/27/07 regarding propagating poinsettia.

  • regina johnson
    February 17th, 2009 at 8:59 am · Reply

    I left my popinsettia on the porch and we had a snow storm, the snow did not hit the leaves or the plant, but cold 20-30 degress. The plant leaves are still red but they are drooping. I have it inside now , will it survive or can I make it survive? Thanx Regina Johnson

    HI Regina
    There’s not much you can do at this point but wait. After the leaves drop cut the plant back to 6 inch stubs for reblooming next year. Eventually, it should leaf out new growth if the roots haven’t been damaged.

  • P J
    February 19th, 2009 at 9:13 am · Reply

    I WAS TOLD THAT POINSETTIAS ATTRACT TERMITES WHEN PLANTED OUTSIDE. IS THIS TRUE?

    Hi PJ
    I have not heard of that. Perhaps someone out there can enlighten us.

  • Becky
    February 20th, 2009 at 5:11 am · Reply

    Is it normal for poinsetta leafs to turn all red? If so what causes it?

  • hima
    February 27th, 2009 at 12:20 pm · Reply

    hi one month earlier i have bought lucky bamboo indoor plant….its gud to grow but the problem is i dont knw how to protect them so just daily i kept sum water thats it….and now my plant is almost in dead stage :(…. really i felt so sad of that…. the roots of that plant was spoiled… please can sumone tell how to protect my plant…. please :(

    Go to Lucky bamboo article. It will give you lots of info on lucky bamboo care.

  • janet
    March 2nd, 2009 at 6:51 am · Reply

    my poinsettia has developed some white spores on stem and leaves. i used one part bleach one part water. is this ok and shall i transplant it or repot please reply via email.thanks

    Hi Janet
    It sounds like you may have powdery mildew. Your one to one ratio may be to harsh on the plant. There are some gentler formulas such as baking soda and water you can use.

  • Frank Bernardo
    May 4th, 2009 at 10:00 am · Reply

    I live in Succasunna New Jersey and have a poinsettia plant since Decemeber 2005. It is in my Sun Room all year long. In the winter the sun room is about 55- 60 degrees F. I have done nothing but water the plant routinely and transferred it to a larger pot last summer. The plant has been routinely flowering with red flowers for the past 3.5 years. Is that normal?

  • Sandra
    May 25th, 2009 at 9:48 am · Reply

    I have a poinsettia that I have had since 07. It bloomed this year. However the new growth is curling up. I have it outside on the front porch where it receives no direct sun. I have seen no bugs. I was wondering what I should treat it with?
    Thanks.

  • ann phelan
    May 25th, 2009 at 9:58 am · Reply

    I gave Mom a pointsettia for XMas. Until early May it bloomed nicely. Now it is bare of all leaves. What can I do to save it? Currently daytime temps outside are 55-80. I took it from her home and it’s outside at my Cape Cod house presently.

    Hi Ann
    See Reblooming poinsettia for information on what you need to do.

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