Poinsettias are usually only cared for during the Christmas season and then disposed of. With the right care, the pretty, albeit poisonous plants can be grown indoors for several years. Care instructions for the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima).

The care of poinsettias is not particularly demanding

How is the poinsettia cast correctly?

Do not keep the poinsettia too wet. Water only when the plant substrate has dried. Avoid waterlogging by immediately pouring off excess water.

If the substrate has become too moist, waterlogging occurs, which causes the poinsettia to rot. Then let the root ball dry out first, without the plant drying out completely.

What fertilizer does the poinsettia need?

In the first year and immediately after repotting, the poinsettia does not need any fertilizer. There are enough nutrients in the soil.

In the second year, start feeding the poinsettia with liquid fertilizer at two-week intervals from April to September. Too much fertilizer is harmful, halve the amount of fertilizer stated on the packaging. In addition to liquid fertilizer, you can also use fertilizer sticks (€4.48).

Does the poinsettia have to be cut?

It is generally not necessary to cut the poinsettia. If the plant is out of shape, you can cut it back. The best time for pruning is after flowering.

Cut the shoots in half with a clean knife. Do not damage the woody shoots! Since the sap contains toxins, you should always wear gloves when cutting.

After two to three weeks, new shoots should appear on the remaining branches.

When should poinsettias be repotted?

The best time to repot is after flowering in spring. To do this, take the poinsettia out of the pot and carefully shake off the old soil.

If the plant has grown too large, repot it into a larger pot filled with a mixture of potting soil, cactus soil or granules.

In order for the poinsettia to recover, do not expose it directly to the blazing sun for several weeks.

What diseases can occur?

Diseases such as root rot occur when the poinsettia is kept too moist. The plant is otherwise quite robust.

What to do in case of pest infestation?

Occasionally pests appear:

  • white bow tie
  • mealybugs
  • fungus gnats
  • spider mites

The appearance of pests is most often caused by insufficient care. If there is an infestation, collect the uninvited guests and treat the plant with diluted soft soap.(44.90€)

Spider mites appear when the air in the room is too dry overall. Increase them by placing water bowls.

Why does the poinsettia lose its leaves?

The poinsettia usually only loses its leaves because it was watered too well. Don't water too often and don't water too much. Make sure that no waterlogging can occur. Do not leave water in the coaster.

Drafts also cause problems for the poinsettia. Avoid putting it in a drafty place.

Wrap the plant well when you go shopping and don't carry it home for long periods of time in the cold winter air.

Why are the leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves can be a sign that the poinsettia has dried up. Submerge the root ball in a water bath for a short time. This often saves the poinsettia.

Too much moisture also causes yellow leaves. Allow the root ball to dry well in this before watering again.

How do you make the poinsettia bloom?

In order for a poinsettia to bloom for several winters, it needs a period of several weeks in which it receives less light. It should be set up in such a way that the daily light duration is less than eleven hours. This can be simulated with a paper bag or a flower pot.

Why do you have to darken it before flowering?

The poinsettia is a short-day plant. It only flowers if it gets less light for about six weeks before flowering.

If you want the poinsettia to show its colored bracts at Christmas, you need to start darkening by mid-November at the latest.

How is the poinsettia summered?

After flowering, place the poinsettia in a semi-shady place over the summer, preferably on the balcony or terrace. Be careful not to let the plant get too wet or too dry.

Can the poinsettia tolerate sub-zero temperatures?

Poinsettias are not hardy and die when the temperature falls below zero. It shouldn’t get colder than 10 degrees at the plant’s location, better still 15 degrees.

If you keep the poinsettia on the terrace, remember to bring the plant in before it gets too cold outside.

tips

The attitude of the poinsettia is not entirely unproblematic. In addition to the right care, the location and plant substrate also play an important role. Mix normal potting soil with cactus soil or granules.

Category:

Indoor plants