\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. It is awesome. Many people find that it's easier to just buy a new plant each year, rather than caring for the same one all year round. Using sterilized pruning shears, cut the branches of your poinsettia plant back. Advent Redan annual that blooms as early as Octoberhas been cultivated primarily as a landscape plant. Intensive breeding programs have produced new varietiesor cultivarsthat retain their foliage and bracts indoors. Otherwise, the desirable grass may have been browned, but good runners at ground level should begin growth shortly with no special care needed. Placing them in a closet helps to reduce the amount of light, but to completely eliminate it, you'll want to cover them with something like a box or a blanket. Try to keep the temperature around 70F (21C), and make sure it never gets colder than 50F (10C) since it's leaves could fall off if it gets too cold. But its now time to cut it back hard so that it will produce stron. I've been trying to keep my poinsettias for several years now and I've found that cutting them back in the late spring is the best way to keep them looking healthy and vibrant. Poinsettias are relatively easy to keep alive during the short holiday season, but getting them to rebloom next year is a more challenging undertaking. Whatever you do, ensure that you do not prune your poinsettia after early September if you want it to bloom again. Water the poinsettias when the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch. The best time to prune a poinsettia is in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. Andi Xoch is a Plant Specialist and the Owner of Latinx with Plants, a plant shop and resource based in Los Angeles, California. This will encourage further branching and plenty of buds once your plant is ready to bloom. With a little bit of care and attention, you can enjoy the beauty of poinsettias all year round. It is best to prune your poinsettia after they have finished blooming and after the coldest time of year has passed. In addition to pruning your poinsettia in spring and summer, these perennial shrubs also benefit from regular pinching back during the growing season. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. Poinsettias contain a white sap made of latex, which can irritate the skin of people allergic to latex. Poinsettias are fairly fragile plants and can be easily damaged by improper pruning. Keep the plant in a sunny place with a temperature of at least 55 F (13 C). wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. She's been a contributing writer for The Spruce since 2019. Poinsettias dont need a lot of water, but you should water your plant when the soil feels dry. Provide semi-cool, humid locations in bright . This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Cori Sears specializes in home decor and houseplants. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Don't be shy about moving your plants around or switching rooms until you find a spot where they are happy. When is the time to start pruning? Keep your poinsettias away from drafts and chilly air. Keep the temperature between 60-70F, and watch out for chilly drafts around windows. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. How to Take Care of a Poinsettia During the Holidays, How to Get Your Poinsettia to Rebloom Next Christmas, 7 Common Poinsettia Care Mistakes Everybody Makes, 16 Ideas for Poinsettia Decor for Holiday Spirit Throughout Your Home, 14 Low Maintenance Plants for a Relaxing Bedroom Escape. Poinsettias do not produce flowers year-round. With proper care, your poinsettias may stay colorful for many months. Why are my poinsettia's bottom leaves yellow and dropping off? Are there any risks associated with cutting back a poinsettia? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 105,334 times. Don't throw away your stem cuttings. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Make sure to water them regularly and prune them whenever necessary. Poinsettias (both potted and in the ground) should be pruned twice a year, first in the spring and again in late summer. Despite what you may have heard, poinsettias aren't harmful if you (or your small child) were to munch a leaf or two, and they're safe to have around pets. Of course, if you don't plan on keeping the poinsettia there will be no need to fertilize. The sap can also damage the plant itself if left on the stems or leaves for too long. In an attempt to keep this gift alive I'll be following your care instructions. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Finally, cutting back a poinsettia can also help maintain the health of the plant. Then remove the declining bloom stalks and locate the plant outdoors in filtered sun. of cuttings from parent plants just after their new growth starts in early summer. A Guide to Flowering Times. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Thanks for sharing your experience! Keep a small watering can (try this Better Homes & Gardens .35 Gallon Metal Watering Can, $15, Walmart) nearby to give them a . Understand the best time to prune. Generally, its best to cut poinsettias back to about one-third of their original size. Gardening with poinsettias can be a rewarding experience, but knowing when to cut back poinsettias is essential for ensuring their optimal health. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 182,395 times. But its now time to cut it back hard so that it will produce strong new growth ready for its flowering next Christmas. Once the bracts have started turning red, you can end the ritual of covering them up every night and start caring for them like normal through the holiday season. For more than 10 years, she's been on a mission to transform her urbanapartment into an indoor jungle. Should I prune them or not? With proper pruning, youll have a healthy and vibrant poinsettia in no time. Instead, this species initiates flower buds in . You can't go wrong with classic red ones (Better Homes & Gardens Red White Poinsettia Mix with Decorative Square Bowl, $39, Walmart), but each year it seems like there are more and more interesting varieties to choose from, too. Take them straight home, too, and don't let them sit in a cold car any longer than they have to, or they could start dropping leaves. Using sharp pruning tools is essential when pruning a poinsettia. Keep the growing medium moist with watering when it begins to feel dry. Poison Control. Do this by cutting at a 45 angle in the stem just below the leaf. Exploring the Temperature Tolerance of Poinsettias: How Cold Can They Go? Weather clears for successful SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch, Tornado flips cars, damages homes in Palm Beach Gardens, Strong winds and thunderstorms continue in Central Florida on Sunday. Cover your plants every day around 5 p.m., and uncover them in the morning between 7-8 a.m. During the day, make sure they're still getting plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. Blooming Beauties: Awe-Inspiring Aster Season Delights Nature Lovers. Getting your poinsettias in shape starts during March with a trimming that takes the plants back to a foot or two above the ground. Are poinsettias poisonous? poison.org. County Extension Director. Cutting back a poinsettia can provide many benefits, including promoting healthy growth and better blooms. Poinsettias grow best in well-lit areas, but direct sun or hot lights can dry out the plants.