Summary
Selecting the Right Plant
When purchasing a Mexican flameleaf , choose a plant with good for you , deep green leavesand brilliantly colored bract . Avoid plants with yellow leaf , wilted theme , or any signs of pests or diseases .
Preparing the Soil
Poinsettias favour well - drain soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 . Use apotting mix specifically designedfor bloom plants or make your own bymixing equal parts peat moss , perlite , and vermiculite .
Choosing the Right Container
choose a pot that is slightly orotund than theroot ballof the poinsettia . check the pot hasdrainage holesto prevent waterlogging .
Planting the Poinsettia
1 . hit the plant from its container : Gently squeezethe sides of the container to loosen the soil and slide the flora out.2 . Loosen the base : Carefully separateanytangled rootsusing your fingers or a sharp knife.3 . Fill the pot with grunge : Place a level ofpotting mixin the bottom of the pot and center on the poinsettia.4 . Fill in the grime : Gradually fillin the pot with soil , gently pressingdown to remove any air pockets.5 . Water thoroughly : water supply thepoinsettia deeplyuntilwater drainsfrom the drainage fix .
Care and Maintenance
lachrymation : body of water the Christmas star when thesoil aerofoil feels dryto the jot . forefend overwatering , as this can lead to root rot . Fertilizing : fertilise the poinsettia every 2 - 3 weeks with a balanced liquid plant food . Sunlight : Poinsettias require undimmed , collateral sunlight . nullify place them in unmediated sunlight , as this can scorch the leaves . Temperature : Poinsettias thrivein temperatures between 65 - 75 ° F ( 18 - 24 ° C ) . Avoid let out them tocold draftsor temperature below 50 ° degree Fahrenheit ( 10 ° C).Pruning : After the holidays , rationalise the poinsettia bycutting backthe stems by one - third . This will encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy .
Troubleshooting
Yellowing leaves : This can be because of underwatering , overwatering , ornutrient deficiency . Adjust watering drug abuse or fertilize the plant . Wilting leaves : This can be due to underwatering , etymon rot , or excessive heat . Water the industrial plant more frequently or check for root rot . dirt ball pests : Aphids , mealybugs , and whitefly caninfest poinsettias . deal the plant with aninsecticidal soapor neem oil .
Enjoying Poinsettias Year-Round
Withproper fear , lobster plant can be savor twelvemonth - round . After the holidays , place the flora in a cool , dark locationand water it sparingly . In the spring , repot the poinsettia in fresh pot mixture andgradually step-up wateringand sunlight exposure .
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q : Can I engraft poinsettias outdoors?A : Poinsettias are not cold - unfearing and cannotsurvive outdoorsin most climate . Q : Why are my poinsettia leaves turning brown?A : Brown leavescan be triggered by underwatering , overwatering , or alimentary inadequacy . Q : How can I encourage my poinsettia to rebloom next year?A : Poinsettias need a menses of short mean solar day andlong nightstoproduce bract . Topromote reblooming , render the plant with 12 - 14 hours of darkness each mean solar day for 8 - 10 weeks .
