Keeping Poinsettias Beautiful after the Holidays

Post-Holiday Poinsettia Care

WRITERS Judy Mitchell & Delores Kincer

The holiday season has passed. Now we must put our minds into reverse and un-decorate all we had decorated. Neatly put away all the lights and ornaments, or maybe not so neatly. The house is finally quiet. It is time to think about the year ahead and reflect on the year behind us.

As I sit quietly in my recliner and look around, I breathe a sigh of relief. The holiday season may be joyful, but it is exhausting. I am so glad to have everything squared away and enter in to New Year with a clean slate. My eyes travel across the span of my home when suddenly I catch a glimpse of something red. My heart stops and my mind goes into panic mode. There it sits. Beautiful and glorious but headed to certain death. It is my poinsettia! My mind races wondering when I watered it last. How will I keep it beautiful? I cannot in good conscience just simply let it die. I must give it at least a minimal effort.

If you have found yourself in this situation after the holidays, there is no reason to panic. Poinsettias really are not as hard to care for as some imagine. In fact, it is quite easy. Simply keep all the yellowing leaves cleaned off and be sure you water it regularly...that does not mean every day. Your poinsettia really won’t flourish if it stays too wet. Try to keep the soil moist but not soggy. When you do water, it is best to water thoroughly and let it drain in the sink. Be sure to water it enough so the water is coming out of the bottom of the pot. Allow it to drain completely before returning it to its place. If you have it sitting on a plate or in a tray be sure to pour any excess water out. Poinsettias do not like to have their feet wet. Often times we receive a poinsettia as a gift. If your poinsettia is wrapped in foil or a decorative plastic sleeve, be sure to remove this covering when you water to ensure proper drainage. Or, you can simply pour the excess water out. Either way, be sure your poinsettia is not standing in water.

There is no need to fertilize your poinsettia at this time, as it is not in its active growing stage while in color. You may resume regular feeding in the spring when your plant begins to grow again. Any all-purpose fertilizer will work. See? So far so good, this is easy isn’t it?

Poinsettias love light. Keeping them in a brightly lit area filled with natural light will help your Christmas beauty stay beautiful.

If your poinsettia loses its leaves, do not throw it away. Often they will lose all their foliage as they enter dormancy. This is when most people give up the fight and cast it to the trash. They are not very attractive during this phase but rest assured this is temporary. Dormancy usually begins around March or April. While your plant is dormant you don’t need to water nearly as much. Let the soil dry between waterings but do not let it remain dry for extended periods of time. As your plant comes out of dormancy you will begin to see some wonderful new growth and you can once again get excited about its future. When it begins its active growing phase you may resume regular feedings and watering as needed.

Now you are all set. Your poinsettia will thank you. You might just get to enjoy it for another year!

To Learn more about Poinsettias, attend the Poinsettia Display and Voting at Mitchell’s Nursery and Greenhouse . See details on page 67. Visit mitchellsnursery.com, call 3369834107 or visit the nursery at 1088 West Dalton Road, King.