- Always overwinter poinsettias indoors
- The right location in the room
- Oversummer poinsettias on the balcony
The poinsettia has its heyday in winter when it forms its distinctive bracts. It is not hardy and must be cared for indoors. But in summer he can go out on the balcony or terrace to spend the summer there.
In winter, the poinsettia is in a bright, warm location
Always overwinter poinsettias indoors
The poinsettia is native to the tropical deciduous forests of Mexico, Central and South America. Temperatures there do not drop below freezing, so the poinsettia is not hardy with frost. It should never be colder than five degrees where the poinsettia is located.
Since it develops its conspicuous bracts at Christmas time, which gave it its name, it is grown indoors in winter anyway.
The right location in the room
- Bright
- not too sunny
- warm
- no draft
When the poinsettia is in full bloom, it needs a bright, warm location. The window sill should not be exposed to too much direct sunlight. Even places directly above the heater do not suit him.
The big enemy of the poinsettia during the winter and summer is drafts. Choose a spot where it will not be subject to strong drafts. If this cannot be avoided, for example when airing, place the poinsettia in a more protected place for this time.
Oversummer poinsettias on the balcony
As soon as the temperatures outside rise again, you can place the poinsettia on the balcony or terrace. A draught-proof location is also important here.
As soon as the temperatures fall below five degrees, you have to bring the poinsettia back into the house.
tips
Poinsettias are perennial, although they are usually only grown for one season. In order to get a poinsettia to form new flowers and bracts for several years, it must be placed in the dark for six to eight weeks in autumn.