Poinsettias are usually only cared for during the Christmas season and then disposed of. With the right care, the pretty, albeit poisonous, plants can be grown indoors for several years. Care instructions for the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima).
How do you properly care for a poinsettia?
The poinsettia requires moderate watering with dry plant substrate, fertilization in the second year, occasional repotting and cutting, partially shaded locations without drafts, and a dark phase of several weeks before flowering. Protect the plant from cold and avoid waterlogging.
How to water the poinsettia correctly?
Don't keep the poinsettia too wet. Only water when the plant substrate has dried. Avoid waterlogging by pouring off excess water immediately.
If the substrate becomes too moist, waterlogging occurs, which causes the poinsettia to rot. Then let the root ball dry out first without the plant drying out completely.
What fertilizer does the poinsettia need?
In the first year and immediately after repotting, the poinsettia does not need any fertilizer. There are enough nutrients in the soil.
In the second year, start supplying the poinsettia with liquid fertilizer at two-week intervals from April to September. Too much fertilizer is harmful, halve the amount of fertilizer stated on the packaging. In addition to liquid fertilizer, you can also use fertilizer sticks.
Does the poinsettia need to be cut?
Cutting the poinsettia is generally not necessary. If the plant is out of shape, you can cut it back. The best time to prune is after flowering.
Short the shoots by about half with a clean knife. Do not damage the woody shoots! Since the plant sap contains toxins, you should always wear gloves when cutting.
After two to three weeks, new shoots should appear on the remaining branches.
When should poinsettias be repotted?
The best time to repot is after flowering in spring. To do this, take the poinsettia out of the pot and carefully shake off the old soil.
If the plant has become too large, repot it into a larger pot filled with a mixture of potting soil, cactus soil or granules.
To allow the poinsettia to recover, do not expose it to direct sunlight for several weeks.
What diseases can occur?
Diseases such as root rot occur when poinsettias are kept too moist. The plant is otherwise quite robust.
What to do if you have a pest infestation?
Pests occasionally appear:
- Whitefly
- mealybugs
- Sad gnats
- Spider mites
The appearance of pests is usually caused by inadequate care. If there is an infestation, collect the uninvited guests and treat the plant with diluted soft soap.
Spider mites occur when the overall air in the room is too dry. Increase them by placing water bowls.
Why does the poinsettia lose its leaves?
The poinsettia usually only loses its leaves because it was watered too well. Do not water too often or too much. Make sure that no waterlogging can occur. Do not leave water in the saucer.
Drafts also cause problems for the poinsettia. Avoid placing it in a drafty place.
Wrap the plant well when shopping and do not carry it home through the cold winter air for long periods of time.
Why do the leaves turn yellow?
Yellow leaves can be a sign that the poinsettia has dried up. Submerge the root ball in a water bath for a short time. The poinsettia can often be saved this way.
Too much moisture also causes yellow leaves. Allow the pot ball to dry thoroughly before watering again.
How do you make the poinsettia bloom?
For a poinsettia to bloom for several winters, it needs a period of several weeks in which it receives less light. It should be set up so that the daily light duration is less than eleven hours. This can be simulated with a paper bag or a flower pot.
Why do you have to darken it before flowering?
The poinsettia is a short-day plant. It only blooms if it receives less light for about six weeks before flowering.
If you want the poinsettia to show its colorful bracts at Christmas, you must start darkening it by mid-November at the latest.
How is the poinsettia summered?
After flowering, place the poinsettia in a semi-shady place over the summer, preferably on the balcony or terrace. Be careful not to let the plant get too wet or too dry.
Can the poinsettia tolerate subzero temperatures?
Poinsettias are not hardy and will die in sub-zero temperatures. It shouldn't get colder than 10 or even 15 degrees where the plant is located.
If you keep the poinsettia on the terrace, remember to bring the plant inside in good time before it gets too cold outside.
Tip
The posture of the poinsettia is not entirely unproblematic. In addition to proper care, location and plant substrate also play an important role. Mix regular potting soil with cactus soil or granules.
