Thank you for celebrating the holidays with a Meadow View poinsettia.

The following tips will help you maintain your plant’s beauty in your home or office.

• Protect your poinsettia from cold temperatures. Exposure to cold temperatures can result in leaf drop.
• Remove protective sleeve immediately upon arrival at your home or office.
• Place plant near bright, indirect light, avoiding contact with cold window panes or drafts of any kind. Temperatures of approximately 60 – 65 degrees F will result in best color retention.
• Keep plants away from high traffic areas. Ohio State University has proven that poinsettias are not toxic, but this placement will protect them from physical damage and out of reach of children and pets.
• Check watering needs daily. Poinsettias prefer moist, but not soggy, soil. When soil surface feels dry, water thoroughly – excess water should drain through the holes in the bottom of the pot. An easy way to provide water to your plant is to place ice cubes on the soil, as needed, to keep the root ball moist. Discard excess water to avoid permanent root damage. Remember to protect furnishings by placing plant in or on a waterproof container.

By following these basic care tips, you will have healthy colorful blooms throughout the holiday season (and beyond).

TIPS FOR REBLOOMING YOUR POINSETTIA

• During the winter months, continue to follow your holiday care tips for water, light, temperature and fertilizer.
• As bracts fade and spring approaches, remove faded and dried foliage.
• Lightly fertilize every three to four weeks using water soluble fertilizer.
• Mid May (after the chance of frost) cut plants back to half the size they currently are to promote bushy growth. Repot into a larger container (with a drain hole) using a soilless potting mix and place outside for the summer, first in indirect light, then to direct sunlight.
• In June, use a water soluble fertilizer each time you water.
• In July, cut your plant back again and continue fertilizing each time you water.
• On Labor Day, move the plant indoors to a location that it will receive direct light for a minimum of six hours. Reduce fertilizer frequency to every two or three watering.
• From October 1 through mid-December confine plant to uninterrupted darkness for 14 hours a day by putting it in a spare room, closet, basement or under a box. It is critical that this is done every day. Give direct sunlight for the other 10 hours of the day. Maintain temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees.
• When your poinsettia is fully colored discontinue darkness treatment, place the plant in a location where it will receive plenty of natural light. Sit back and enjoy your success!

MVG - Growing Sustainably Since 1984