Caring for your Poinsettias

TRANSPORTING POINSETTIAS: Poinsettias must be transported in a covered vehicle as the bracts (coloured leaves) are very sensitive to bruising and the branches break easily. Direct sunlight will burn or scald the bracts. So please ensure that the plants are always stored in a covered, cool area. Extremely hot temperatures, such as in a car parked in the sun, will damage or kill the Poinsettia.

LIGHT: Always place the Poinsettias in a bright area (no direct sun): natural sunlight is best but artificial lights also work as well. A good rule of thumb is - there must be enough light to read fine print easily. Remember that not enough light is the number one killer of Poinsettia plants, yellowing lower leaves is the first sign of too little light.

WATER: Poinsettias are thirsty plants and need a lot of water. Stick your finger in the pot (at least one inch deep) every two days. When the plant starts to dry out, water thoroughly until water seeps out the bottom of the pot. Please remember to drain the excess water from the saucer and do not wet the leaves.

TEMPERATURE: Poinsettias do well in a cool area or in air-conditioned rooms. Do not expose the plants to cold drafts (directly infront of an air-conditioned vent) or to hot air (near a stove or fridge); the higher the humidity the better. The humidity in some air-conditioned rooms may be too low. You may increase the humidity by placing the plant in a larger saucer than necessary and filling the saucer with an inch of gravel. Place the plant on top of the gravel and keep the gravel wet at all times.

AFTER CHRISTMAS: After all the coloured bracts have faded, you may choose to cut back your plant to eight inches above the pot and grow it as you would a house plant. Place in a brighter area than before and fertilize monthly with an all-purpose fertilizer. Repot the plant as necessary. To re-flower the following Christmas, place the plant in a location where it will not receive any artificial light at night from the 1st of October. 

COMMON PROBLEMS: Do not put ice cubes, coffee or cigarettes in the pot. Do not sun your plant by placing it in direct sun. Do not place a garbage bag over your poinsettia. Do not place your poinsettia on top of the television.

With proper care and the right conditions, poinsettias will keep blooming for at least a month or more in good conditions!