Poinsettias

[casey28]

Every year I hope that some of my christmas poinsettia will survive past the holidays. These two are doing well so far!

The first one is in a really tiny pot. I've noticed that they seem to like the smaller containers. I just need to keep an eye on it so it doesn't dry out.

Comments

[casey28]

I think the plants are grown to be a pretty spot of color during the holiday season, and the growers don't factor in longevity, because most people toss their poinsettias at the end of the year. I have the same problem with mini pine trees (not Norfolk Island Pines, those are hardy). The needles get dried out and then the plant is dead. So, it's like having a bouquet of flowers. I figure if they look pretty for a couple of weeks, they're done their part, lol. It's a bonus if I get any of them to survive past that.

If you get ones in teeny, tiny pots like the first one above, and it's super healthy to begin with, you have a good chance of it surviving. I had one last year, and it lasted more than six months, until I forgot to water it one time, so that was my fault. So, far, the one I have this year is doing great. Also, I think the ones with white leaves do better, at least so far!

I'm glad you had a few that managed to survive for awhile. They are ridiculously temperamental, though. I've lost most of the ones I've ever had, so I get excited if any of them survive to spring or summer.

[metallidean_grl]

I'll try that this year, getting a smaller one in a smaller pot. The last one I had was a good size pot and plant. I would love to try and get one to last a little bit longer so I'll purchase a smaller one and let it grow out that way. Thanks.

[casey28]

I just measured the pots of the plants I still have, going around in a complete circle. The white poinsettia's pot is 12 inches around, the red one is 6 inches. Most small ones that I see are the size of the one with the white leaves. If available, try the teeny tiny ones, too. Good luck with your poinsettia growing in the future! You're very welcome.

[casey28]

I just read this article about how to take care of Poinsettia after the holidays. It has a lot of good information. And here's something I didn't know about...

At some point in January, you will probably notice that the green leaves have started to turn yellow and fall off.

Contrary to how things look, your plant is not dying. It has finished blooming and is now moving into a resting phase, a period of dormancy that is part of its natural annual cycle.

After about half of the poinsettia’s leaves have fallen off, you should gradually start to reduce watering frequency. Your goal is to allow the soil to dry out gradually in preparation for dormancy.

The colorful bracts will be the last to fall off.

https://gardenerspath.com/plants/houseplants/poinsettia-after-holidays/

[metallidean_grl]

Good information. Who wouldn't known when the leaves fall off it isn't dying. Interesting. Thanks.

[casey28]

Yes, who would've know it. Also, sometimes the dormancy cycle is very short. Since I have two plants that still have their leaves, they won't go through much of a cycle.