Poinsettia’s botanical name is Euphorbia pulcherrima. It is native to Mexico and Central America and is very sensitive to cold weather and temperatures under 50 degrees. I have seen it growing in my uncle and aunt’s yard in Los Angeles. It was March and they still had their red leaves on bushes that were at least eight feet tall. I was amazed! In New Mexico, we have to make sure we don’t let them stay in the cold too long just getting them from the store into our house.
The care for the Poinsettia during the Holidays is pretty straightforward.
1. Water – keep the soil moist but not soggy. When you water, be sure the plant is not sitting in water afterward. If it comes with a foil wrap, take it off during the watering.
2. Sun – they need bright light but direct sun can scorch the leaves.
3. Fertilizer – no fertilizer is needed when in color.
4. Temperature – 65 to 75 degrees is room temperature. Keep them from cold drafts and heat vents.
If you want to keep your poinsettia, it is possible to have it bloom year after year with special care. I have always been put off by the dark room treatment and the weeks of daily care. If you do well with plants, and want a challenge, give it a try. Instructions are listed below: January to early spring
Gradually decrease water by allowing the soil to dry between watering. If the stem starts to shrivel, it is too dry so increase water. After a couple of weeks, move the plant to a cooler spot to keep the temperature around 60 degrees. Not every source I searched mentioned this step so you decide how important it is. You can expect some leaf drop.
May
• Cut the stems back to about 4” from the main stem or the soil if there are multiple stems.
• Repot your poinsettia into a slightly larger pot with good potting soil. Water well and place it in a bright window with indirect light.
• Water your poinsettia when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Once new growth appears, fertilize every few weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer. That is Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium in a 10-10-10 ratio.
Summer
• Once night time temperatures stay above 55 degrees, move your plant outside.
• Place it where it has dappled sunlight or in a patio.
• Continue to give it water and fertilizer.
• In early July, pinch back each stem one inch. This produces a bushy plant.
• By August, the stems have grown. Pinch the new stems one more time leaving 3-4 leaves on each stem.
• Bring the plant indoors when the temperature drops to 50 degrees at night. Place it in bright indirect light again.
October - Time to initiate reblooming. Poinsettias need ten weeks of complete darkness for 15 hours every day to mimic their short-day cycle where they developed.
• Keep your plant in complete darkness by putting it is a closet that is not used and has no light that seeps under the door. Or you can cover it with a box and for extra protection a black plastic bag. Any light can interrupt the cycle of bloom- set.
• A dark cycle starting at 5 pm and ending at 8 am works for most people but adjust it to your needs.
• Move the plant back to the sunny window during the day.
• Continue watering when dry and fertilize every other week.
November & December The last week in November, allow the plant to remain near the window.
Stop fertilization in mid-December when color starts showing on the leaves.
Enjoy the color show! If you don’t succeed the first time, that is not unusual. Try again next year and adjust your care. Common signs to watch for:
• Wilting or drooping – usually a sign of dryness. Check the soil. If dry, water.
• Yellowing leaves – too much fertilizer, overwatering, or pests. o Cut back on fertilizer. o Overwatering causes root rot. Take the plant out of the pot and look at the roots. They should be white or tan. If black and mushy, that is root rot. Trim off the rot, repot the plant, and water less. o Look closely for insects (Spots or sticky feel). Check the back of the leaves. Wash with mild soap and water if present.
• Leaf drop – stress from moving plant, excess heat, or big changes in light. Solution is to adjust the plant’s environment.
Poinsettias are not poisonous but their sap can be irritating to eyes and skin especially if you have a latex allergy. Avoid touching your eyes and wash your hands well. If household pets eat poinsettia leaves, they are not dangerous unless taken in large amounts.
Edith Iwan is a Cibola-McKinley County Master Gardener who lives and works in Thoreau. As a Master Gardener she assists the County Cooperative Extension Service in providing accurate, research-based gardening information to county residents. If you have any gardening questions, please call the NMSU Cibola County Extension at 505-2879266 or NMSU McKinley County Extension at 505-8633432