Do you have leftover Poinsettias from your holiday celebrations? With proper care and attention, these lush indoor plants can continue to thrive and provide much-needed color for weeks. With extra special attention, this year’s Poinsettias will be ready to ring in your next New Year as well.
How To Take Care of Your Poinsettias Year-Round
- The Basics. The Poinsettia’s famous crimson hue is not a part of the flower, but rather the flower “bracts”. The actual flowers bloom less noticeably and are yellow in color. Make sure you choose Poinsettias that look healthy, have intact leaves, and tightly folded flowers.
- Preferred Environment. Poinsettias love the sun so keep them in a brightly lit area of your house. Also, consider your heater vents, or any cool drafts, as a moderate climate is best. They will maintain their deepest color in temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit – the cooler the better.
- Hydration. If your plant was wrapped in decorative foil, puncture holes in the bottom and place them on a waterproof surface. Water them regularly to keep the soil moist.
- Poinsettia Preservation. If you want to make the Poinsettias a permanent addition to your interiors or landscape, use a fertilizer every two weeks (one with equal parts phosphorous, potassium, and nitrogen). Prune the plants in June and at the end of September keep them in the dark for 14-hours per day. The color will begin to return in November.
For more tips and ideas on designing and maintaining the landscape of your Denver home contact Lifescape Colorado today at 303-831-8310.