With the change of weather, colder for instant it will get us into the mood for decorating for Christmas. Do you use poinsettia plants in your holiday decorating?

            Last warm morning for awhile now.  We are at 52 degrees right now at 7:30 AM but that is our high.  Temperatures going down, will get some rain and maybe a little snow, but being this warm will not last on the ground.  Wind coming up and coming out of the North west...cold wind.  IT is Nov. 18th, so we will have more seasonable weather and give us a taste of winter.  Found this article about caring for poinsettias.  Soon you will be getting them for your holiday decorating. 
                                                                                                 
By Nikki Phipps
 (Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden
 
How do you take care of poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima)? Carefully. These finicky short-day plants require specific growing needs in order to retain their Christmas blooms. However, with proper care, your holiday poinsettia should continue to put out blooms  or in the least remain attractive for weeks after.
 
Holiday Poinsettia Plant Care
 
Poinsettia care begins with proper light, water, and temperature conditions. During the holidays, while in full bloom, they typically enjoy semi-cool, humid locations in bright, indirect light with plenty of moisture. Poinsettia plants should be watered thoroughly, taking care not to drown them by ensuring adequate drainage is available. Likewise, avoid letting them sit in water-filled saucers, which can lead to root rot .  I  have to remember this for the ones we have at church.  It is seems easier to have them sit in water then I don't have to go down during the week to water....but after reading this I will go down during the week and water them. 
Adding plants nearby can help increase humidity levels  in dry rooms, as will humidifiers.
 
Once flower bracts have fallen, you have the option of discarding the plant or keeping it an additional year. For those choosing to continue with poinsettia care, decrease regular watering to allow the plant to dry out some. However, don’t let it dry out completely. Also, relocate the poinsettia plant to a cool, dark area until spring or around April.
 
Fertilizing Poinsettia Plants
 
Fertilizing poinsettia plants is never recommended while they’re still in bloom. Fertilize poinsettias only if keeping them after the holiday season. Apply fertilizer every two weeks or once monthly using a complete houseplant fertilizer. Provided the poinsettia plant is given the proper environmental conditions, it should begin to regrow within weeks.
 
Poinsettia Care After the Holidays
 
In spring, return the plant to a sunny area and water well. Cut back all canes (branches) to about 6 inches from the pot’s rim. It may also be a good idea to repot the poinsettia using the same type of soil. While poinsettias can be kept indoors throughout summer, many people choose to move them outdoors in a sunny, but protected, area of the flower garden by sinking the pot into the ground. Either way is fine.
 
After new growth has reached between 6 to 10 inches, pinch out the tips to encourage branching. This can be done once a month until the middle of August. Once nights become longer in fall, bring the poinsettia indoors.
 
From about September through November light becomes crucial in poinsettia plant care. In order to encourage blooming, poinsettia plants require long periods of darkness at night (about 12 hours). Therefore, move the poinsettia to a location where it will not receive any nighttime light or cover it with a box. Allow plenty of light during the day so the plant can absorb enough energy for flowering. Warmer days (65-70 F./18-21 C.) and cooler nights (55-60 F./13-16 C.) are also recommended. Provide semi-cool, humid locations in bright, indirect light with plenty of moisture once blooming occurs.
 
Poinsettia Plant Leaves Are Falling Off
 
It’s important to pinpoint the possible cause in the event that your poinsettia plant leaves are falling off, as in some cases, this can be easily fixed. Environmental factors such as warm, dry conditions are most often the reason for leaf drop. Stress can also be a factor. Keep the plant in a cool, draft-free area and provide plenty of water. If all else fails, the plant may need to be discarded.
 
Now that you know how do you take care of poinsettias you can keep these lovely plants year round. With proper poinsettia plant care, they will give you many years of beauty.
 Till next time, this is Becky Litterer from Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa
 
Article printed from Gardening Know How: http://www.gardeningknowhow.com
 
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