Poinsettia

Poinsettias are primarily grown as Christmas plants, available in pots and as hanging baskets. Plants have vivid colored leaves called bracts and small inconspicuous flowers in late November and December. They are available in traditional red, as well as white, pink, and variegated forms.

CARING FOR POINSETTIAS

1. Place it in a room where there is good light, with a south, east or west window.
2. Avoid excessive heat (from radiators or vents) and drafts.
3. Ideal daytime temperature is 68°F, over 72°F may damage plant.
4. Ideal nighttime temperature is between 51°F to 60°F.
5. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings, then soak thoroughly, discarding excess water in the saucer.
6. When the bracts (leaves) fade, cut the plants back to 8" and repot. Treat it as a foliage houseplant until spring.
7. Plant outdoors after danger of frost is over, in a sunny location with well drained sandy soil mixed with peat humus and pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
8. Pinch poinsettia stems back by one-third to achieve branching, and therefore, more blossoms. Do this between September 15th and 20th .
9. Bring the poinsettia into the house (at about 65°F) between September 21 and October 1.
10. For the next six weeks, make sure the plant gets 8 hours of bright, indirect light in the daytime. Keep the plant in the total, uninterrupted darkness for 14 to 15 hours each night. The plant can be put in a closet or covered with a black plastic leaf bag to achieve this, as any light will delay blooming.
11. If you followed all the steps, your poinsettia will bloom in time for Christmas!