The Poinsettia I planted from last season did not fare as well as I hoped.
The reason? I believe it has something to do with sunlight. The year before, I re-planted them in pots and kept them on the back patio, south side of the house. They weren’t kept in direct sun, mind you, but they were in a very bright location. Those I planted in ground out front of my home, full shade, no good. 🙁
So this year? You guessed it! Someplace nice and protected–they are somewhat dainty, I think–but with plenty of bright light. Which makes sense. After consulting with my “grow-guides,” I was reminded these beauties prefer indirect sunlight, protected from cool drafts. As a native of Mexico, this plant doesn’t like the cold, so whenever the temperature dips below 50-55 degrees, you must be vigilant and cover it else it shrivel up and die.
Stimulating them with a little “root tonic” wouldn’t hurt. The shock from their lovely potted plant status to in ground can be quite daunting. Hopefully you have some worms on the welcoming committee! All-purpose fertilizer should suffice throughout the year.
Note: For my Arctic Amigos living north of the Florida border, don’t try this at home. Save your plants, but keep them as indoor “pets” only. Do remember to water them, a common problem with any indoor plant I adopt. (The whole watering schedule thing puts a crimp in my carefree and spontaneous style – that, and children tend to be quite demanding, though getting pretty good at accomplishing their own chore list. Note to self: houseplant watering is now a kid’s job.)
There you have it–the easy guide to saving those gorgeous Poinsettia you purchased to spruce of your home for the holidays!
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