\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Take 3 to 6 inches (8-15 cm.) The Spruce / Jayme Burrows. Poinsettia Pointers: Caring for Potted Poinsettias (PDF infographic), Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program, UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life, Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). I find the smell of dirt pleasant. Once youve pruned the oldest stems, you can prune any remaining stems to the same length. In wild poinsettias, the bracts are typically bright red, but horticulturists have now bred varieties with bracts in varying shades of white, pink, purple, orange, and yellow. To get the most out of cutting back your poinsettia, its important to follow these steps: By following these steps, gardeners can enjoy the many benefits of cutting back their poinsettia. Pruning during this time will help reduce the risk of damage and encourage new growth. Make sure to use a sharp pair of garden scissors or a pruning shears to make the cleanest cut possible. Poinsettias do not produce flowers year-round. Poinsettia Care for Christmas and Beyond - Southern Living Dull tools can tear or rip the delicate leaves and stems, resulting in damaged plants. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Intensive breeding programs have produced new varietiesor cultivarsthat retain their foliage and bracts indoors. It is best to prune your poinsettia after they have finished blooming and after the coldest time of year has passed. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Pruning your poinsettia in late winter or early spring will help ensure that your plant looks its best and stays healthy for years to come. Poinsettia - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Then remove the declining bloom stalks and locate the plant outdoors in filtered sun. Poinsettias form flowers in response to day length and temperature. We are eager to help you take care of your plants so check out the plant clinic dates and times listed on the Nassau County Extension website. As you water the poinsettia, stop as soon as you see water leak through the holes at the bottom to the pot. Symptoms include the yellowing and dropping of the lower leaves. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Poinsettias should be watered whenever the soil surface feels dry to the touch. If it doesn't, get a different pot or drill holes into the bottom. Placing them in a closet helps to reduce the amount of light, but to completely eliminate it, you'll want to cover them with something like a box or a blanket. Do not fertilize your indoor poinsettias until you are ready to move them outside. I've been trying to keep my poinsettias for several years now and I've found that cutting them back in the late spring is the best way to keep them looking healthy and vibrant. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Poinsettias (both potted and in the ground) should be pruned twice a year, first in the spring and again in late summer. Pick a spot where it'll receive full sun for most of the day. How to Care for Poinsettias to Keep Them Alive Past Christmas By using our site, you agree to our. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. In August, pinch off about an inch from each growing tip to encourage your plants to branch out. You're most likely to find this type in traditional poinsettia red, but plants with white and pink rose-shape bracts are out there, too. Youll also want to have a pair of gloves to protect your hands from any sharp edges or possible toxins on the plant. If you do it too early, you could risk encouraging too much foliage growth and the plant may not bloom. This article was co-authored by Andi Xoch. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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