How to care for a Euphorbia pulcherrima (Poinsettia)

How much sun does a Poinsettia need?

A Poinsettia needs bright, indirect sunlight for healthy growth.

Place it near a south-facing window and move it away from any sources of artificial light at night.

How often should I water my Poinsettia?

Water your plant regularly, making sure the soil is moist but not wet.

It's time to water your plant when the top 2-5 cm (1-2 inches) of the soil is dry.

On average this is once every 7 days in the spring and summer and once every 10-14 days in the fall and winter.

Should I fertilize my Poinsettia?

Yes, fertilize the plant once per month with a balanced fertilizer to promote new blooms and healthy leaves.

Make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging to prevent overfertilizing your Poinsettia.

What do I do when my Poinsettia's leaves turn yellow?

If the leaves start to turn yellow, it’s likely because you're either overwatering or underwatering the plant.

Adjust your watering schedule and trim the yellow leaves to get your Poinsettia back to health.

Do I need to deadhead spent flowers on my Poinsettia?

Yes, deadhead spent flowers off of your poinsettias to encourage additional blooming throughout the year!.

Is there an ideal temperature range for taking care of a Poinsettia?

The ideal temperature range is between 18-27 °C (65 - 80°F).

Keep the plant away from cold drafts, hot air vents, and open windows and doors.

Also, keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

How do I know when my Poinsettia needs repotting?

If your plant is rootbound, it might start wilting, even though you keep up with watering and fertilizing.

If you're using a pot with a drainage hole, you'll also be able to see the roots growing out of the bottom of the pot.

This is your sign to repot your Poinsettia.

What should I do if my Poinsettia droops?

If your poinsettia droops, it may be due to too much or too little water.

Try providing just the right amount of water and if that doesn’t help, try repotting with fresh potting soil and a slightly larger pot.

Additionally, check for signs of pests such as aphids and mealybugs which can cause droopiness.

How can I help my Poinsettia bloom again?

To encourage your Poinsettia to bloom again, you need to expose it to complete darkness for about 10 weeks in the fall and winter.

This will cause the plant to flower and grow bright red or pink leaves.

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