We have all bought a Poinsettia at some stage around this time of the year only
to lose the beautiful red colour a couple of months later. Then the plant looks
more and more sad as each day passes and we end up giving up on it.
Poinsettias aren't treated the same as our other pot plants, for a start they
are grown in very special conditions by the growers. They are grown in an
environment where lighting is strictly regulated. They are subjected to several
hours of darkness and this is what brings out the red colour. If you live I a
colder area they may not grow for as they need warmth. To remedy this problem
here is what you can do.
When your plant reaches the dormancy stage ,where the leaves fall off place the
plant in a sunny window that is not subject to cold drafts. A south facing
window is good, but avoid harsh direct light. Water regularly, keep the soil
moist, not soggy. As the leaves fall off remove them from the pot and discard
them. Cut back any stems that are rotting and maintain a steady temperature. In
late March or early April prune stems back to leave 150 – 200mm stumps. Be sure
to wear gloves when pruning, sap from the stems of this plant can be irritating
to your skin. Continue watering the plant and fertilising it . The plant should
begin a rigorous growth.
By early June, your plant should be ready for a bigger pot. If it is warm
enough outside you can put it where it will get lots of light. Pinch back the
new growth periodically for a bushier plant. You should bring your plant
indoors at the onset of Autumn and when the nights begin to get longer and
cooler.
The Poinsettia is a photoperiod plant. This means that they naturally begin to
bud and produce flowers according to the number of hours they spend in
darkness. At the beginning of September follow this procedure: Every night
place a black bag or cardboard box over the plant and put the plant inside a
ark cupboard or closet. The plant must be in complete darkness for 14 hours
each night. In the daytime place it in a sunny window. After about 8 – 10 weeks
you can place it in a sunny window again and it will be red with yellow flowers
in time for xmas.
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