It’s a few weeks before Christmas, and your doorbell rings. You open the door to find a delivery person with the biggest and most beautiful poinsettia plant you’ve ever seen! Your Aunt Carol from New York sent it with a little note that reads, “Can’t wait to see you Christmas Eve!” While Aunt Carol rivals Martha Stewart with her lush and beautiful gardens…you did not inherit that same ability…in fact, you consider both of your thumbs to be black! Any plant you bring into your house ends up in the trash a week later and Aunt Carol will be here in a few weeks – how are you going to keep this gorgeous poinsettia alive for that long?!
Tip #1:
Despite our association with chilly weather and Christmas, poinsettias are actually tropical plants. They originate from Mexico, so they love sunlight and warm weather. Six to eight hours of bright, diffused light is best; too much direct sunlight can cause them to burn. Rooms on the western and southern sides of your house are perfect. Keep them away from drafty areas like a fireplace or doors to the outside. Poinsettias enjoy temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees.
Tip #2:
Water your poinsettia whenever the soil feels dry to the touch – you will probably need to water at least twice a week. If you notice your poinsettia’s leaves are drooping and the soil is dry, water it! If you notice your poinsettia’s leaves are drooping and the soil is wet, water it less! A poinsettia should never sit in water – make sure to let the soil dry between waterings. If your house tends to be dry, misting your poinsettia with some lukewarm tap water will also be beneficial. If you really want to go all out before Aunt Carol comes to visit, you can set up a humidifier near your poinsettia during the day.
Tip #3:
If your poinsettia is losing a few leaves here and there, your plant may need some more light. If it’s losing a lot of leaves rapidly, you are probably overwatering or underwatering it. Check the soil to see which is the culprit.
Follow these tips, and you’ll make Aunt Carol, and yourself, proud! Contact us today to find your perfect poinsettia arrangement!