Ever wish those beautiful Poinsettias you buy at Christmastime could be made to last? Well, with a little care and patience it is actually possible to get them to keep on living, and to get them to regain color every year. Here’s the rundown on how to do it:
* Firstly, during the holiday season it is important to keep your Poinsettia in bright light and to keep the soil moist. Never let the soil dry out completely! After watering remove any excess water that is lying in the saucer.
* When the color on your Poinsettia begins to fade it should be placed near a sunny window, and continue to keep it watered.
* In the Spring (about Mid-April) cut back the stems to about 6″
* In the month of May you can begin fertilizing your plant, and it can also be moved outside as long as temperatures do not drop below 55°F.
* In late May – June make sure your plant is not rootbound, if it is go ahead and repot it to a pot that is one size larger, and continue to fertilize on a regular basis (about every second or third watering).
* In August or September when outside temperatures begin to fall below 55° cut the plant back one more time to about 3 or 4 leaves and bring it back inside the house.
* In September or October your Poinsettia needs to be in direct light during the day and then in complete darkness at night (from about 5pm until 8am). This needs to be done for about 8 – 10 weeks.
That’s it! You should now have a Poinsettia that has got it’s color back. Be aware, however, that professional growers have advanced techniques and equipment at their disposal to help them produce consistently beautiful Poinsettias, and the same results shouldn’t be expected in a home environment. Also be aware that if you give up in despair you won’t be the first to do so!