The red and green foliage of poinsettias can be seen all over during the Christmas holiday season, but they are often forgotten for the rest of the year.If you want to keep your Poinsettia healthy during the holidays, you will need to trim it back.You will have attractive Poinsettias made all the more so because you kept them growing.
Step 1: Gloves are needed to keep from coming in contact with the skin.
Poinsettias leak a white substance when cut that can cause irritation for people with latex allergies.If you get sap on you, you should rinse it off with water and soap.The plant can be damaged if the stems or leaves are left for too long.If there is a leak on the plant, wipe it off with a rag.
Step 2: In February or March, cut the dead foliage with gardening shears.
Cut the stem just below the leaf to remove discolored, dry, or limp leaves.Cut off foliage that is green and vibrant.You can discard petals and leaves if you please.If you use clean shears, you may have to wash them before cutting the plant.
Step 3: The stems should be trimmed so they are 15 cm long.
Poinsettias are a large shrub.To keep them small during the year, you will have to cut the stems.You can cut off the stems more easily if you remove the dead leaves that block them.If you want larger poinsettias during the holiday season, you can leave the stems a bit longer so that they end less than 20 cm from the rim of the container.New plants can be grown using the cut stems.The stem should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted into a pot with soil.
Step 4: The poinsettias should be kept at this size.
It's a good idea to check on your plant once a month.If it has grown since the last check, you should trim the stems back to 6 inches (15 cm) or your desired size.Poinsettia plants should have a rounded shape with dense and compact growth.Pinch small shoots to encourage bushiness.The shoots can be used for propagation.
Step 5: It's time to stop trimming at the beginning of November.
Poinsettias flower and change color during the end of fall and the beginning of winter.For big red foliage, you should not trim the plants during this time.
Step 6: Ensure proper drainage by watering the plant.
Poinsettias need water to grow, but they can be sensitive to over watering.When the soil feels dry, water the plant.If you bought your plant in the winter, it will be wrapped in foil.To allow for drainage, take the pot out of the foil.
Step 7: The plant should be kept in a sunny place with a temperature of at least 55 F (13.C).
The plant should get a good amount of light, but not directly in the sun.Don't go to drafty locations where temperatures can change during the day and night.
Step 8: In mid-September, place the plants in complete darkness for 13 hours.
Poinsettias need 13 hours of absolute darkness per day for up to 10 weeks.To make sure no light can get through, place them in a closet, under a box, or inside a cover.Setting a daily alarm is the best way to remind yourself when to do this and keep you on track for beautiful plants during the holiday season.The plant should get normal lighting during the other hours of the day.