A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2003 Poinsettas

While away for the holidays my poinsetta was allowed to dry out. All of the green leaves have died and fallen off while most of teh red bracts remain. the stem is still nice and green and the plant looks reasonably healthy besides the fact that there are no green leaves on it. How should I bring it back to health? Cut it back now and fertilize it? I'd appreciate any tips.

As long as the red bracts still look attractive, there is no reason to cut back the stems. When the red bracts do start to deteriorate, then you can cut back all the stems to one of the lower nodes, where you will probably see new green growth starting to emerge.

At that point you can move your poinsettia to a sunny window sill. I would hold off on the fertilizer until the spring.

Thanks!

You can try to keep your Poinsetta over winter and have it bloom again for next Christmas.....here's how I do it...

When the leaves have fallen, cut back the the stems to leave 4 inch tall stumps. The soil should be kept almost dry and the pot placed in a mild, shady place. In early May, water and repot the plant. Continue to water and soon new shoots will appear. Fertilize regularly and prune out some of the new growth to leave 4-5 strong new stems. The prunings can be propagated to form new plants as stem cuttings. If doing this, use rooting hormone.

From the end of September, the lighting will have to be carefully controlled. The plant needs to be placed in total, uninterrupted darkness for 14 hours a day. Each evening place the plant in an usused closet or cover it with a black plastic bag. Remove the bag and bring it out of the closet early the next morning.

During the day, give the plant as much light as possible. Artifical light may be necessary. Continue this dark/light treatment for 8 weeks, then treat normally. Your Poinsetta will again be in bloom at Christmas time, but it will be taller than the plant you bought.

During the flowering season, grow the Poinsetta in average indoor temperatures but avoid draughts. Provide maximum light during winter but protect it from hot summer sun if it is to be kept for the following Christmas. Water thoroughly. Wait until the soil is moderately dry before watering again. Water immediately if the leaves begin to wilt. Water more in summer when there is active growth. Mist the leaves frequently during the flowering season. The Poinsetta needs moist air, if the air is dry and the room warm, there will be loss of floer heads and the leaf margins may yellow or brown.

Many Poinsetta owners complain that the leaves fall off. If the leaves wilt before they fall off, it is caused by overwatering. Water when the soil surface is dry. Leaves will also wilt and fall off if the soil around the roots is too dry. Loss of leaves without wilting is caused by too low of temperature, not enough light, or hot or freezing draughts. Red spider mites and mealy bugs are the most common insect to keep a watch for.

Good luck
Barb barbsblooms@shaw.ca