Gardening Tips
Poinsettia Care for the Holiday Season
Tips provided by Beth Fausey, OSU Extension ABE Center
It is that time of year when a variety of festive, brightly colored poinsettias adorn our homes, offices, and public spaces. While poinsettias generally require little care, the following tips will ensure that your plants remain healthy throughout the holiday season.
- Exposure to extreme heat (above 80 º F) or cold (below 50 º F) stresses poinsettias and often results in a loss of leaves or in some cases, early death of the plant. Make sure that plants are protected and covered when transporting them from the greenhouse or florist to your car and home. Once inside, avoid placing plants near hot or cold drafts that may injure plants.
- Rough handling of poinsettias may also cause stem breakage and/or leaf loss. Carefully remove plants from their paper or plastic sleeves to avoid damage.
- Poinsettias perform best when placed in a bright environment such as near a window and provided with moderate temperatures of 65 to 70 º F.
- Poinsettias prefer moist soil. When the top of the soil feels dry to the touch, water thoroughly with warm tap water. Allow excess water to drain from the bottom of the container and discard.
- Although most poinsettias do not require additional nutrients during the holiday season, a standard houseplant fertilizer can be used to maintain healthy foliage and blooms. Follow the fertilizer recommendations listed on the package.
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