Poinsettias are a beautiful addition to any holiday decor, but you may be wondering how to keep them alive indoors. Poinsettias require particular care if you want them to stay looking fresh and lovely for weeks on end.
Fortunately, it’s not hard at all. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping poinsettias alive indoors.
About poinsettia
A poinsettia is a plant that belongs to the Euphorbia family. It’s native to Mexico and Central America, where it grows as a shrub or tree. The most common variety of poinsettia is red and its leaves have dark scars on them. Many other varieties of poinsettia range in color from pink and white to yellow, orange, and green. They’re one of the most popular holiday plants you can buy, but they can be tricky to keep alive indoors.
Are poinsettias poisonous
Poinsettias are not poisonous, but they are toxic to animals such as dogs and cats. If you have pets, it is recommended that you retain your poinsettia away from them. Poinsettias do contain a small amount of sap but it’s not enough to cause any harm to humans. If you’re allergic to latex or have sensitive skin, you may want to wear gloves when handling the plant. It is also important to keep your poinsettia away from children under the age of five because the sap can cause irritation to their eyes, skin, and mouths.
Tips for keeping poinsettias alive indoors
Keep in bright light
To keep poinsettias alive indoors, you should keep them in bright light. Poinsettias like to be in sunlight for at least 6 hours per day, but they can take full sun for up to 8 hours. If you don’t have enough natural light in your house, try placing your poinsettia near a window that gets a lot of sunlight during the day and use artificial light at night if necessary.
Water properly
Poinsettias are beautiful, but they can be difficult to keep alive indoors. The key is to water them properly.
The first thing you need to know is that poinsettias like to be watered when their soil is completely dry. You should never let the plant’s soil get soggy or even just slightly moist.
You want to make sure that you are watering your poinsettia in a large enough pot so that it will not dry out quickly. If you don’t have a large enough pot, consider using a moisture retainer in your potting mix. This will help retain moisture in the soil longer than just plain dirt would.
If you notice your poinsettia starting to droop or yellowing, this could be a sign that it needs more water. Give it a good drink at this time and see if that helps perk up its leaves again.
Keep them warm
If you want to know how to keep poinsettias alive indoors, the most important thing you can do is to keep them warm. The ideal temperature for a poinsettia is between sixty and seventy degrees Fahrenheit, so you’ll need to make sure that your house isn’t too cold or too hot. If it’s too cold, they’ll develop buds that don’t open, and if it’s too hot, they will drop their leaves.
Fertilize properly
First, you’ll want to know how to fertilize properly. Poinsettias need to be fertilized every 2 weeks throughout their growth. The best time to fertilize them is when they are actively growing, so if your poinsettia is in a cool environment, it may not grow as quickly, which means you may have to wait until the holidays before you can start fertilizing it. If this is the case, make sure to water your plant well before you begin fertilizing so that the fertilizer doesn’t burn its roots.
After fertilizing, be sure to keep your plant out of direct sunlight for an hour or two after applying fertilizer. This will help prevent the burning of its leaves from excess sun exposure after being fed.
Trim and inspect the leaves
For the poinsettia, trimming is a matter of pruning. If a branch appears to be dead, cut it off at its base. If you’re not sure if it’s dead or not, check for damage from pests or disease and remove any infected parts.
Inspect your plant once a week for any signs of disease or pests. Remove any leaves that are yellowing or wilting, as this indicates either insufficient water or too much water. You should also inspect the leaves regularly for any signs of pests or disease. If you see anything suspicious, treat it immediately with a pesticide or fungicide.
Check the soil
The first thing to do is check the soil. The plant should be kept in a pot with enough soil to cover the root ball, with a little bit of space between the top of the root ball and the top edge of the pot. The trick to keeping poinsettias alive indoors is to make sure the soil stays moist, but not soggy. If your plant has grown its own roots and isn’t in a pot, then it’s a good idea to check the soil daily and water it as needed. If your plant is in a pot, then you should water it every few days until it starts putting out new growth.
Poinsettias like more acidic soil than many other houseplants, so it’s important to check the pH of the soil and make adjustments as needed. You can also add fertilizer to help keep your plant healthy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, poinsettias are a beautiful decoration for your home. They add a touch of color and life when they’re in bloom, and they can help brighten up your space even after the flowers have gone.
To keep your poinsettias alive indoors, all you have to do is make sure that the plant has enough sunlight, water, and nutrients. They also need filtered light and proper drainage. If you keep these things in mind, you will be able to keep your poinsettia happy and healthy all year long.
