Although the poinsettia is a perennial, in most cases it is discarded after flowering. There is a reason for this, because it is not easy to get the houseplant to bloom again. However, it can be worth trying because this is the only way to get large, bushy plants.

Poinsettias thrive easily for several years - if you just let them

The poinsettia is a perennial plant

In its homeland, the poinsettia grows for many years. It grows up to four meters high and often shows its colored bracts all year round.

In our latitudes, poinsettias are only grown as houseplants because they are not hardy. It is also light here for too long in the summer. The poinsettia is a short-day plant that needs less than twelve hours of light per day to form the characteristic bracts.

A poinsettia can also be kept here for several years and made to bloom if you ensure the right site conditions and good care.

Maintain poinsettia after flowering

  • set cooler
  • water less
  • fertilize moderately
  • repot
  • cut only if necessary

After flowering, keep the poinsettia a little cooler if possible. You can easily put it on the balcony or plant it in the garden once the temperatures are high enough. Now is also the best time to repot it.

During the summer time, the poinsettia needs slightly less water. You can also reduce the amount of fertilizer.

You don't have to cut it. Only trim the plant if it is out of shape. Remove the flowers and bracts.

This is how you get the poinsettia to bloom again

The poinsettia only develops new bracts if it has been darkened for a while. If you want the poinsettia to be red again for Christmas, you either have to put it in a dark room or cover it with a bag from November. He must not get more than eleven hours of light per day for six to eight weeks.

tips

If you want to grow a poinsettia for several years, choose a plant that is as strong as possible. With inexpensive poinsettias from the supermarket, it is usually not worth growing them for more than one season.

Category:

Indoor plants