In their natural environment, poinsettias set buds when day lengths get shorter in autumn. Many people place their plants in a closet, but if any light gets through cracks or if you open and use the closet, the exposure to light will affect the bud set. A closet, pantry or windowless room is perfect. To rebloom, poinsettias need about 10 weeks with 12 to 14 hours of absolute darkness per day. Be aware that exposure to direct sunlight can burn bracts and leaves. Poinsettias aren't just potentially dangerous for pets if ingested. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. I learned how to do things most little kids havent done in over a century. Mulch the area around the base of the plant with 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7 cm) of organic mulch. When we take a pampered plant from a warm store through a cold parking lot to the car, it can start to lose its leaves from the shock of temperature change. For a more tropical feel, coconut shell halves are a fun way to cook and present food. How can I fix the plant? We may earn a commission from your purchases. Follow the directions on your product label. Keep the temperature around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. My poinsettia has retained its red leaves from Christmas right through to the end of July. 6 Plants You Should Never Touch - Real Simple Poison Control says poinsettias are not deadly, even if eaten. Follow the poinsettia care tips outlined so far, and you may find that your houseplant survives from winter into springor even longer. Poinsettias dont hold up well under a draft. Marie Iannotti is a life-long gardener and a veteran Master Gardener with nearly three decades of experience. How to take care of poinsettias - New York Post She started writing about gardening on her blog called May Dreams Gardens which lead to numerous magazine articles, her books, and a podcast called The Gardenangelists. Avoid letting your poinsettia sit in standing water. POINSETTIA - Uses, Side Effects, and More - WebMD Extension Today: Poinsettia Care | OSU Extension How to Grow and Care for Poinsettia Plants | Gardener's Path Can You Smoke Marijuana Leaves? | Crop king Seeds Missing even one or two nights of darkness can keep a poinsettia from blooming. Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design. If you want to keep your plant for its green leaves or coax it to rebloom, wait until May to begin fertilizing. Healthy poinsettias grow in soil that's. Feeling Stressed About Keeping Poinsettias Alive After the Holidays, How to Care for Poinsettias to Keep Them Alive Past Christmas, 7 Common Mistakes That May Explain Why Your Garden Mums Are Dying, The Best Orchid Care to Keep These Beautiful Plants Thriving. Conversely, too little light leaves the Poinsettia weak, unable to grow or defend itself from pests and illness. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. The flowing sap can act as an irritant if it comes into contact with your bare skin. Keep your plant in complete darkness from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.any exposure to light will delay blooming. How to Care for Poinsettias After the Holidays | Gardener's Path