Taking care of poinsettias can be a rewarding experience , especially during the vacation season when these vivacious plants are a popular alternative for gay decoration . To see to it that your poinsettias thrive and remain beautiful throughout the vacation season and beyond , here are some tips on how to the right way deal for them .
1 . Location : Poinsettias opt a vivid location with indirect sunlight . Avoid placing them in direct sunlight as this can cause the leaves to bite . pick out a place where the temperature is between 60 - 70 ° F ( 15 - 21 ° C ) and away from draft or heat sources such as radiator or vents .
2 . Watering : right lachrymation is crucial for poinsettias . retard the dirt regularly and water system when the top inch feels dry to the touch . Be deliberate not to overwater , as this can conduce to root decomposition . It ’s estimable to underwater slenderly than to overwater . Empty any supererogatory water that collects in the saucer or mass to preclude the industrial plant from model in water .
3 . Humidity : Mexican flameleaf choose higher humidity levels , specially during the winter months when indoor environment tend to be drier . you’re able to increase humidity by come out a tray of water near the plant , using a humidifier , or fog the leaves with water . Just be measured not to mist the bloom directly , as they can be sensitive to water .
5 . Pruning : After the vacation time of year , you may prune your poinsettias to encourage shaggy growth . burn back the stems to around six inch above the territory level . This will get new growth and aid the industrial plant maintain a stocky figure . Wear baseball glove when pruning , as the whitish sap of poinsettias can do skin irritation for some people .
6 . Temperature : Poinsettias are sensitive to extreme temperature changes . Avoid exposing them to cold drafts or sudden temperature drop , as this can get the leaves to wilt or drop . If you need to transmit your poinsettia during winter , ensure to wrap it in a protective sleeve or paper to shield it from the cold .
7 . pestilence and disease : Poinsettias are generally resistant to gadfly and disease , but they can still be susceptible to unwashed houseplant plague such as aphids , whitefly , and spider mites . If you mark any signs of infestation , such as yellowing leaf or small insects , you may try using insecticidal grievous bodily harm or neem vegetable oil to insure the pests . Always follow the instruction on the intersection recording label and treat the plant in a well - ventilate sphere .
8 . Extended Bloom : If you want to keep your poinsettia blooming for an extended period , you may put up it with 12 - 14 hr of unadulterated darkness each night for about 8 - 10 weeks before the desired blush time . This can be achieved by covering the flora with a lightproof bag or localise it in a drear loo . During the day , check that to provide it with bright collateral ignitor as usual .
recollect , Christmas flower are not just for Christmas . With right attention , they can continue to expand and tot beauty to your dwelling long after the holiday time of year . Enjoy the process of care for these sensational plants and watch over them flourish throughout the twelvemonth .
Caroline Bates
