Save Your Poinsettia!
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The holidays are over and if you did any decorating with poinsettias, you'll want to keep them for next year. Let me show you how easy it is to keep them as house plants and get them to rebloom.
This is the poinsettia from last year. That's right, Christmas 2021.
After Christmas though, it started to look a bit humble.
It was time to cut it down. I used a good pair of pruners to get clean cuts. 
That was NOT supposed to happen!
I cut it down mid-January and by the end of the month there was new growth. I made sure it was watered and by March there was more new growth that was turning red!
Not to be discouraged, I cut it down again and as soon as it was warm enough outside, it went on the balcony for the Spring/Summer. All I did was repot it in quality potting soil and water it. By Fall, I had this:
It was time to work some magic.
In early October I started putting it in the dark for 14 hours. That's right, it went in the closet at 6pm and came out the next morning at 8am. It's important that the plant gets no light for those hours, so no opening the closet! If you have to, put a box or bag over it while it's in there.
During the day, it got bright light and then some direct sunlight in the afternoon.
After 3 weeks, this started to happen:
Ten days later:
One more week:
As we headed into November, the bracts were turning red in several spots.
December arrived and my plant was ready to show-off for Christmas!
The entire process was pretty easy. Putting it in the dark every night is very important, though.
Did I ever forget?
Yes, I did! I just tucked it away as soon as I remembered. So, don't stress about doing everything perfectly - remember, mine started turning red after I cut it down the first time! EEK!
Now, here are a few more 'tips' if you're thinking of saving your poinsettia.
The plants should be fertilized in the Spring.
I didn't do that.
The plants should be dead-headed or cut back in late July.
I didn't do that either.
Let's face it, I always take the 'No Muss No Fuss' Approach! HA! And, it worked!
Tell me, have I convinced you to save your poinsettia for next year?
I hope you'll pin, share, comment, and follow. If you click on those 3 little lines at the top left of the blog (on the Home page), you'll see where to find me...or click on the icon below to share.
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I'm Impressed! I never ever saw a plant like this lasting for more than a few weeks! I bought a mini one in the supermarket this year and within a week it was dead :( .
ReplyDeleteThis was a supermarket plant too!
DeleteI'm sorry to hear yours died. If you get another, cut it down if it starts to look droopy.
That seems to be the key.
Oh, WOW! Going to try this. I do not have a green thumb but maybe I can surprise myself this time :) They usually last until about February. Let's see how this goes.
ReplyDeleteCut it back and give it a try, Dee. It's really a shame that so many of these plants get tossed at the end of the season!
DeleteI will try, Ann! My niece sent me a poinsettia plant by way of Amazon. It was well packed but it looked like they forced it into the box. Some leaves were torn and crammed together. It even had a heating pad in the bottom of the box - I guess to keep it warm. But the leaves have been curling up and falling off since I received it. I'm not good with indoor plants, but I will certainly try your way. I will probably be putting a box over it. I don't have space in a closet.
ReplyDeleteJust cut it back, Gail. It's amazing how quickly the new leaves start to appear!
DeleteMine came from California to Maine. I’m not a plant person. It has straw tucked all around the base covering soil. Should I remove it? Plant seems to be dying. I am limited to where I can set it due to my cat. I don’t get much direct light in my house
DeleteThe straw was probably there to hold in the moisture. I would remove it and see if it needs water. If the leaves are still drying up, cut it down and keep it watered. There's a good chance you'll get new growth.
DeleteThis is amazing! I had no idea you could do that. It's beautiful! Visiting from Wonderful Wednesday blog hop.
ReplyDeleteNow you know, Jennifer. It's a pretty easy process!
DeleteGreat tips for keeping those lovely plants alive after the Christmas season. Thank you for sharing this post in the Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 47.
ReplyDeleteCarol
www.scribblingboomer.com
Thank you, Carol. Fortunately, they are pretty hardy!
DeleteWow!! Ann you are a Christmas plant whisperer! I am so impressed. Of course, I did giggle a little at the vision of a poor little poinsettia with a bag over its head...but hey, if that's what it takes!! Happy New Year my friend, here's to a happy, healthy 2023!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'm the plant whisperer since it was completely confused in the beginning! I suppose the bag over its head is a bit like a kidnapping! Ha!
DeleteHappy New Year to you and your family!
Amazing results! I didn't know a poinsettia could be that lush and green. You're my feature this week at the #HomeMattersParty. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Allyson. They really are wonderful plants!
Delete