Although the poinsettia is perennial, in most cases it is disposed of after the flowering period. There is a reason for this, because getting the houseplant to bloom again is not that easy. But it may be worth giving it a try, as this is the only way to get large, bushy plants.
Can a poinsettia be kept perennial?
The poinsettia is a perennial houseplant that can bloom again with proper care. To achieve renewed flowering, place the plant in the dark every day for six to eight weeks from November and reduce the amount of fertilizer.
The poinsettia is a perennial plant
In its homeland, the poinsettia grows for many years. It grows up to four meters high and often shows its colorful bracts all year round.
In our latitudes, poinsettias are only grown as houseplants because they are not hardy. In addition, it is bright here for too long in summer. The poinsettia is a short-day plant that needs less than twelve hours of light per day to form the characteristic bracts.
A poinsettia can also be kept here for several years and made to bloom if you ensure the right location conditions and good care.
Care for the poinsettia after it has bloomed
- Put cooler
- water less
- fertilize moderately
- repotting
- cut, only if necessary
After flowering, keep the poinsettia a little cooler if possible. You can easily place it on the balcony or plant it in the garden once the temperatures are high enough. Now is also the best time to repot it.
During the summer, the poinsettia needs slightly less water. You can also reduce the fertilizer application.
You don't have to cut it. Only shorten it if the plant is out of shape. Remove the flowers and bracts.
How to get your poinsettia to bloom again
The poinsettia only develops new bracts if it is placed darker for some time beforehand. If you want the poinsettia to be red again for Christmas, you must either put it in a dark room or cover it with a bag from November onwards. It must not receive more than eleven hours of light per day for six to eight weeks.
Tip
If you want to grow a poinsettia as a perennial, choose a plant that is as strong as possible. With inexpensive poinsettias from the supermarket, it is usually not worth growing them for longer than one season.
