Garden Column for Salisbury Post-Poinsettia Care

Darrell Blackwelder

November 21, 2005

After 5 months of growth and care, poinsettias only last a few weeks during the holiday season. Below are tips from poinsettia growers on how to keep your plant looking its best for the holidays.

Try to use a large, roomy shopping bag to protect your plant when transporting it. Most growers will have plastic sleeves to protect the plant.

Place your plant in indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day. If direct sun can't be avoided, diffuse the light with a shade or sheer curtain.

Make sure the room temperatures between is between 68 - 70° F.  If you are comfortable, so is your poinsettia, however the cooler the better.

Try not to expose poinsettias to temperatures below 50° F. Poinsettias are sensitive to cold, so avoid placing them outside during the winter months.

Avoid placing plants near cold drafts or excessive heat. Avoid placing plants near appliances, televisions, fireplaces or ventilating ducts.

Be sure to water your plant when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Over-watering quickly kills poinsettias. Do not allow it to sit in standing water. Always remove a plant from any decorative container before watering, and allow the water to drain completely.

If you plan to keep your poinsettia after the holiday season fertilize your plant with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.

Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. For archived garden columns or other information, visit the Rowan County Master Gardener web site at www.rowanmastergardener.com , e-mail Darrell_Blackwelder@ncsu.edu