- 1). A native plant of Mexico, poinsettia like lots of heat. They will not do well in cold temperatures, and require temperatures no colder than 55 degrees at night. They can, however, tolerate a very light frost. If there is some doubt about temperatures dropping, it may be best to use sunken pots, so that the plant can be brought indoors when the temperature falls.
The plant prefers a southern exposure and partial sun, protected from cold rain and winds that can damage the leaves. After the blooms have faded, keep the plant indoors with the soil slightly moist. When all danger of frost has passed, you can plant your poinsettia outdoors. - 2). Prepare the soil for your poinsettia plant. Avoid regular potting soil. Poinsettia prefer a sterile, light potting mixture such as peat moss or dried leaves. Poinsettia like a slightly acidic soil. Make sure the area has good drainage. Poinsettia roots are susceptible to root disease, so make sure the plant does not sit in standing water.
Cut back the plant to 8 inches high. When new growth is visible, feed with an all-purpose fertilizer every other week. Slow-release fertilizer can also be used. Poinsettia are prone to infestation by red spider mites, scale, mealybugs and whiteflies. Root, crown or stem rot can be a problem, so avoid overwatering. - 3). The poinsettia is a photoperiodic plant, which means it sets buds and produces flowers as autumn nights get longer. The plant will naturally boom during November or December. Timing the plants to bloom exactly at Christmas without the controlled conditions of a greenhouse is difficult. Keep soil moderately moist and not over-watered. The surface should be dry to the touch.
Make sure the plant is exposed to at least 6 hours of sunlight per day in order for it to bloom. Poinsettia plants can get leggy, so pinch back the stems to make the plant bushier. Poinsettia can grow to 10 feet tall and 6 feet across. If night temperatures fall in your area and threaten to frost, you must bring the plants indoors, provide artificial lighting during the day and cover with a box at night to simulate the natural outdoor lighting environment in order for your plant to bloom.
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