How to keep your Poinsettia alive past Christmas, with Dobbies
When it comes to festive plants, there aren’t any more renowned for embodying the spirit of Christmas than the beautiful Poinsettia. This beloved houseplant is a staple during the festive period however, it can be tricky to care for, meaning that a lot of Poinsettias don’t make it very far into the new year.
This National Poinsettia Day (Tuesday 12th December), Dobbies’ Senior Houseplant Buyer, Claire Bishop gives her top five tips on how you can keep your Poinsettias alive and healthy after Christmas and enjoy their gorgeous flowers for months to come.
Choose a bright spot
Finding the right place for your Poinsettia is key. Claire says: “Poinsettias like a lot of light so you should place them in a bright spot where they’ll get at least six hours of indirect sunlight per day. However, you should avoid direct sunlight as this could scorch the plant’s leaves. Being a tropical plant, Poinsettias also like warmth so you should keep them away from windows and other draughty spots as this could cause the plant’s flowers to drop.”
Watering your plant
When it comes to watering your Poinsettias, Claire says: “You should only water your Poinsettia when the soil is noticeably dry to the touch. This will vary on the temperature of your home, so your plant could require watering every few days, or once a week depending on its surroundings. Poinsettias won’t thank you for waterlogged soil, so make sure they are planted in a pot with good drainage. They also like a humid environment so a Poinsettia’s leaves will benefit from regular misting, which should prevent them from drying out when you have your heating on in winter.”
Feed your Poinsettia
To make your Poinsettia last long after the festive period is over, Claire says you should be feeding it. Claire notes: “Your Poinsettia will benefit from monthly feedings to keep it thriving long into the new year. Consider using a liquid plant food to fertilise your Poinsettia throughout the spring and summer months to allow it to bloom again next Christmas.”
Pruning
To ensure your Poinsettia is healthy year-round, Claire recommends pruning it twice a year. Claire says: “If you are feeding your Poinsettia and it is growing, when it comes to spring, you should cut back your plant’s stems by a third, to around six inches. You should also remove the plant’s foliage to allow room for new growth. In late summer, after months of growing, you will need to prune your Poinsettia again to control its size ahead of the cooler months.”
Repotting
If you’re wondering whether Poinsettias need repotted, Claire says: “In spring, if you notice your Poinsettia is growing, you should repot it into a larger container to accommodate its growing size. Make sure you use fresh potting mix with good drainage and choose a pot that’s big enough for the plant’s roots to grow.”
To explore Dobbies’ full range of houseplants and for more gardening tips, visit www.dobbies.com.
