Poinsettias are recognized around the country as the official flower of Christmas, and are a great way to brighten up your property no matter what part of the country you live in. However, if you want to get more enjoyment out of your poinsettias this holiday season, it’s important to follow all the steps for proper maintenance. Keep reading to learn how to take care of a poinsettia from our Southern California commercial landscaping pros, and remember to call Stay Green Inc. this winter for all your landscaping needs.

How to Properly Take Care of a Poinsettia:

• Growth: Though poinsettias bloom during winter, they are typically grown before the holiday months. Native to Mexico, they require a tropical climate to thrive. As a result, poinsettias often start growing in January, and are fertilized up till December.
• Light: You should always place a poinsettia near a sun-filled window. South, east, and west-facing windows are best, as the more direct sunlight your poinsettia gets, the better it will look.
• Watering: You should water your poinsettia anytime the surface level feels dry to the touch. You should be able to see water draining out of the bottom, however, you do not want to leave the plant in standing water. If your poinsettia does not receive enough water, it is likely to wilt, and leaves will begin to drop off of it.
• Temperature: The ideal temperature for a poinsettia to stay in bloom falls between 65 and 75 degrees. If the temperature drops to 60 degrees at night, your poinsettia is still likely to be okay, however, make sure the plant avoids drafts and cold spots at all times. The main reason poinsettias begin to wilt during the winter is because of a lack of humidity, so if you want yours to stay healthy and avoid leaf drop, make sure to water it consistently and keep it in a place where the temperature is nice and warm.
• Potting & Repotting: It is possible to keep a poinsettia from season to season and to force reblooming, though it is not necessarily easy. You will want to store your poinsettia inside during the winter, cutting the stems in Spring, before moving it outside in June. When it gets colder again in the fall, you will want to repot it inside, ensuring it gets a lot of water and is kept near a sunny window.

For more information on poinsettias or other plant care tips for your commercial property, dial (800) 741-9150, or contact us online. And from everyone here at Stay Green Inc., Merry Christmas!