\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Not only can overwatering lead to the yellowing of leaves, it can also rot away the root structure, killing the plant in the process. Support wikiHow by Deck your halls with a holiday favorite. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This is often a sign of insufficient light. If the plant is left sitting in water, the soil will become too wet and will not contain enough air, leading to root rot and other diseases. unlocking this staff-researched answer. But not to worry, we have you covered with today’s article! Touch the soil and make sure it is neither too wet or overly dry. Hi, I love this plant and trying to grow Poinsettia from last 3 years but they died every year. White Poinsettia. Over-watering causes the most issues for poinsettia plants. Locating plants in a sunny windowsill will speed up their bloom time greatly. They need a minimum temperature of 13-15°C (55-59°F). Wash the foliage with a gentle soap and water or wipe with rubbing alcohol to control other insects. The fertilizer will held to maintain the plant's green foliage and promote new growth. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The shrubs were once considered weeds in Mexico. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. The leaves and bracts on the Winter Rose variety are smaller and tend to curl under and the plant is usually shorter than regular poinsettias. If poinsettias are exposed to low outside temperatures for even a few minutes they can chill or even freeze, causing the leaves to droop and fall off. Designed in our white birch planter, creating a warm, woodsy feel. Before purchasing, shop for healthy-looking plants that have been kept away from drafts and excessive heat. unlocking this expert answer. After cutting back, new growth and leaves will begin to form in late winter. To get plants to bloom around the holiday season, they need to go through a 6 to 8 week period of darkness to force the blooms. "We were given a poinsettia in Dec 2019 as a 'new home' present. Poinsettia plants produce a milky white sap called latex. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Sunlight should be available for the Poinsettia for at least five hours a day. Only on white- or cream-colored bracts would the sap be slightly camouflaged. In early summer, transplant your poinsettia plant to a new pot that is about 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the pot it is currently in. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Poinsettia Plant Care Keep your Poinsettia plant near a sunny window where it will have the most available sunlight. Here's how to do both. Our White Poinsettia Plant makes a wonderful holiday gift that is long lasting and will continue to bloom after the festivities. Pick off poinsettia horn-worms with your fingers and destroy them. Poinsettia plants need light to bloom, but again, not too much. The Aztecs in Mexico grew poinsettias, long before the first Europeans settled in the U.S. Poinsettias are typically grown and sold as annuals, however you can grow poinsettias year after year. This is important in order to maintain the bright red color of the bracts. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. The gardening center or store where you purchase your poinsettia should be able to provide you with some form of protective covering for your trip home. Try to maintain the temperature between 60 and 70 degrees F and continue to water and fertilize the plant as normal. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. It is most likely to be a problem if you purchase a young plant early in the season. As with over-watering, under-watering will cause a plant to lose it bracts and color prematurely as well. How to Care for Poinsettias. By using our site, you agree to our. You should also avoid exposing the poinsettia to cold drafts, or to dry heat from radiators, appliances or open fires. Approved. The popular Christmas plants — which originate from Mexico — are incredibly easy to care for. If you are replanting your poinsettia, do so in a sterile growing medium that is well-draining yet retentive enough to not leach water and nutrients out too quickly. Initially, the white sap bleeds and runs quickly if the wound is large. And that all begins with knowing a little about the plant, and it’s blooming cycle. But with that said, be sure to not allow the soil to stay too dry for too long. From the 1st of October onwards, keep the poinsettia in complete, uninterrupted darkness for 14 hours a night, from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. Move the plant to a dark room or cover the plant with a box. How To Keep Poinsettia Plants Beautiful – Before & After Christmas. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. In fact, you can even plant them directly into the soil if desired. As mid-January and February roll around, even the best-kept poinsettia plants will begin to fade.