Poinsettias - They Can Live On!
Don’t throw away that colorful plant after it begins to fade - keep growing it for next year!
Here’s how: Enjoy your poinsettia until you are just simply tired of it. It can stay in a sunny window. It can also be put in the basement or a cool place where it will not freeze. Only water it once a month if the soil dries out. The leaves will drop off and it may look dead but the stems should stay green.
If you want to plant it outside, you can do so after the 20th of May, when the danger of frost is past, in a full sun location. Cut the stems back to about 4-6” above the soil level. It would be best to transplant your plant into a pot that is 2” larger in diameter than the size of pot it is currently in using a potting soil like Sungro Professional Growing Mix (Metro Mix 360). A clay pot would be best. “Plunge” this newly transplanted plant, pot and all, into your garden soil. This will allow for root development and prevent disturbing the plant’s root system in September when you “lift” it out of the garden and bring it back into the house.
Apply Osmocote to the surface of the pot when you “plunge” it into the garden or feed it with a liquid feed once every other week when you water. Keep the plant watered evenly during the summer. Do not let it dry out. Once it is growing well, it will be necessary to “pinch” the new growth back causing it to develop branches and many flowers later. The last pinch should be about the middle of July.
After successfully growing the plant during late spring and summer, prepare to bring it inside about the third week of September when night temperatures drop into the 40’s. This is a magical time of year because the days are now shorter than the nights. Remember to first check for insects on the foliage of the plant as well as in the soil. Submerging the plant’s pot into a bucket of water for about 30 minutes helps to eliminate any insects that may be present. Let the plant drain.
Place your poinsettia in a bright window away from drafts. Day temperatures in the 70’s along with night temperatures in the 60’s are ideal for optimal growth. Do not over-water. Water when the soil dries out to the touch one knuckle deep. A tablespoon of Osmocote fertilizer on a 6” or 8” pot is all the fertilizer that will be needed for the season.
Day length is what triggers the poinsettia to “bloom” turning the plant the brilliant colors we desire. Mimicking natural day length and night length are essential. There can be NO interruption of the night length with artificial light from dust to dawn. This can be accomplished by placing the plant in a dark spare room, closet, basement, or under a box for the night hours. It is critical that this be done every day.
When your poinsettia is fully colored, discontinue darkness treatment. Place the plant in a location that receives plenty of natural light. Sit back and enjoy your success!
If you’re faithful in following this in all its detail you will have a “home-grown” plant in bloom next Christmas.