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What happens to your poinsettias once the holiday excitement has died down? All too often, these beautiful plants, native to Mexico and Central America, end up wilting and then get sent off to the dump.
Yet with a little care even the non-gardeners among us can keep their Euphorbia pulcherrima looking lovely for months. Follow these easy tips and you might even be able to coax it into another splendid display next winter.
* Poinsettias dont like being overheated or in direct sun, so keep them away from heat registers and sunny windows.
* They like lots of moisture but hate wet feet. No water-filled saucers. They love to be misted.
* When all the flower bracts have fallen off, ease up on the watering and move to a cool, dark place, like a basement or attic.
* In spring, cut back all the branches to about six inches and move to a sunny spot indoors. Water well. If you want, you can repot with fresh potting mix.
* Once the weather is warm, move the poinsettia outside. Pick a sunny, protected spot. Pinch back new growth to encourage new branches.
* In mid-September, bring your poinsettia back indoors. In order to bloom the plant needs long cool nights and warm light-filled days.
Have you had any luck getting your poinsettias to bloom again? Let me know if you have any other tips. You can leave a note below or email me at fpearson@mainstreetconnect.us
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