If you want to keep your poinsettia plant’s blooms bright, vibrant and healthy all through the holiday season – it all starts by avoiding the three most common mistakes that can all but ruin this holiday classic’s gorgeous flowering habits!
For many who use poinsettias to decorate their homes for the holidays, keeping the plant blooming throughout the season can feel like a real challenge. One day the plant looks perfectly healthy with its brightly colored leaves. And suddenly, everything goes south!
One thing is for sure, without proper care, these stunning showpieces can quickly fade, turning into droopy, flowerless plant within just a week or two. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
By simply taking care of a few simple needs and avoiding a few key miscues, poinsettias can easily keep their blooms for up to six weeks. In fact, some plants can even last eight weeks or more – giving you plenty of time to enjoy their beauty all season long.
Here is a look at how to avoid those three all too common mistakes – and have the poinsettia plant of your dreams this holiday season!
The 3 Biggest Mistakes That Ruin Poinsettia Blooms
#1 Improper Watering
If there is one mistake that caretakers make with their poinsettia more than any other – it’s improper watering.
The key to keeping poinsettias blooming is giving them the water they need, and in just the right way. Poinsettia plants are very sensitive to moisture levels. Over-watering can lead to root rot, causing the leaves and bracts to turn yellow. On the other hand, under-watering results in leaves that wilt, droop, and eventually fall off.
Of the two, over-watering is the more common issue for poinsettias. Excess moisture not only yellows the leaves but also damages the root system. Poinsettia plants that have their roots sitting in constant water will not only struggle to keep their blooms, but to survive!
To maintain healthy plants, let the soil dry out completely between watering sessions. When you water, ensure the soil is moist but not overly wet. At the same time, avoid letting the soil remain dry for too long. This can also cause the plant to lose its bracts and vibrant color prematurely.
The Secret Of Misting…
Last but not least, get in the habit of misting your poinsettia regularly Misting the leaves provides excellent hydration, all without impacting soil moisture. Misting is especially beneficial in homes with dry winter air, helping the leaves stay refreshed and healthy.
You will be amazed at what this one little secret can do for the color and longevity of your poinsettia blooms.
#2 Giving Poinsettias The Wrong Type Of Light – The 3 Biggest Mistakes That Ruin Poinsettia Blooms
Another common mistake is exposing poinsettias to the wrong type of lighting, which can significantly impact their bloom longevity. By managing the amount of natural light your plant receives, you can extend its blooming period.
While poinsettias need light to thrive, too much exposure, especially to direct sunlight, can and will drastically shorten their bloom life.
Light can be one of the most challenging factors to control, particularly if your plants are displayed near a window or placed in a bright, sunny room. To avoid this, position your poinsettias in a spot where they get plenty of indirect light – but are shielded from direct sunlight streaming through the window.
For maximum bloom life, consider moving the plants to a less brightly lit area during the hottest and brightest parts of the day. Although this requires a bit more effort, it will make a noticeable difference in keeping your poinsettias vibrant and blooming for an extended period.
#3 Avoiding Temperature Extremes – The 3 Biggest Mistakes That Ruin Poinsettia Blooms
The third most common mistake made when caring for flowering poinsettias is exposing the plant to temperatures that are too cold or too warm. The temperature in the room and the proximity to heat sources or drafts has a major impact on the lifespan of poinsettia blooms.
Poinsettias thrive best when maintained in a temperature range of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If the room is too cool, the plant may interpret it as a sign of winter. When that happens, it can prematurely shorten its blooming period. Cooler environments can also prevent the soil from drying out properly between waterings.
On the flip side, while poinsettias enjoy warmth and some humidity, excessive heat can also be detrimental. Rooms that get overly warm will reduce bloom longevity. As can placing the plant near heat sources like fireplaces, furnace vents, or even warm lamps.
Such heat sources not only dry the soil out more quickly, but also pull moisture from the leaves. This causes a tremendous amount of stress. It not only shortens the blooming time but also affects the overall health and vibrancy of the plant.
It doesn’t mean you can’t decorate with your poinsettias by the fireplace for a Christmas dinner or party. That is, as long as you move them back to a suitable temperature location as soon as the festivities conclude!
Post Blooming Care – The 3 Biggest Mistakes That Ruin Poinsettia Blooms
No matter how well you care for it, your poinsettia will eventually start to lose its blooms. As a perennial plant, it naturally cycles through its phases and will enter a dormant period. When this happens, the bright, colorful bracts will fade and fall off.
When this happens, it’s time for pruning. Cut the plant back to about four inches in total height. At this point it will have more stems than leaves, but it will come back. Once cut back, place the plant in a sunny window where it can soak up plenty of light.
Within a few weeks, you’ll notice fresh green leaves sprouting as the plant begins its revival process. Here is to avoiding the three most common mistakes that ruin poinsettia blooms. And even more, to enjoying holiday color all season long!
For more on caring for your poinsettias after they bloom, be sure to see our article: How To Care For Poinsettia Plants After Christmas.
Simple Garden Life
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