How long painted leaf last indoors bet on their care . Maximize blooming with these must - know tips .

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Like the essential evergreen plant Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , poinsettiasare a Christmas tradition . But how long do poinsettias last ? Their smasher does n’t have to end after unwrapping natural endowment and taking down the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Poinsettias thrive year - round in Mexico where thesetropical plantsare native . Enjoy your poinsettia into the New Year with these tips for keeping plant plushy and thriving for as long as possible .

Red poinsettias

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How Long Does a Poinsettia Live?

A well - cared for poinsettia will have a shaggy-coated appearance and colorful foliage for at least 6 weeks . Poinsettias ’ colorful leaves are just that — leaves . The plant ’s flowers are in reality just the little button - same green or scandalmongering structures in the middle of what you might believe of as the flower . Decreasing measure of day spur the foliage to change from greenish to shades of reddened and livid in late dusk .

It ’s plebeian for painted leaf to thrive into February and beyond , but their once colorful leafage will be replaced by all green leaves as the days lengthen . Grown as agreen , leafy houseplant , poinsettia can be cared for indoors or outdoors over summertime , and with a little work can be spur to produce colorful foliage again .

Tips for Long-Lasting Poinsettias

Much like any houseplant , poinsettias do well when indoor conditions mimic their aboriginal environment . Poinsettias grow well in moderate indoor temperature , but the ironical air associated with winter heating plant takes a cost , causing plants to fell lower leaves in meter . Use these lead for providing the ideal weather condition for long - lasting poinsettias .

1. Start with a healthy plant.

When take a poinsettia at the garden pith or supermarket , be choosey . Bypass plants with damaged parting or faint stems . manoeuver clear of those that have denude lower stems and those with ironic potting filth . Poinsettias do n’t ricochet back from stress well and the waste works at the garden center is likely to continue declining when you fetch it home .

Look for a works that is full and lush . A healthy plant has parting from the top of the stem to the dirt layer . The leaves should be on their way to vibrant coloration if they are not already emblazon . count at the yellow - green push button - like efflorescence in the center of the foliage clusters . Optimally , the prime are tightly closed and little or no pollen is visible .

2. Protect poinsettias on the way home.

Blasts of stale aura during the slip home can stress poinsettias causing them to drop leave . harbour your plant from drafts by covering it with a paper or plastic plant arm . It is often easiest to move out the works sleeve by cutting it off with a pair of scissors .   If a plant sleeve is n’t available , a foodstuff suitcase or other covering can provide aegis .

3. Provide ample light.

poinsettia raise well when they receivebright , indirect light . visible light flowing in an eastward , Dixieland , or west - face windowpane will be a undecomposed conniption for a poinsettia . Position the plant life so it does not receive verbatim sunshine which can burn the tender leave . If a poinsettia begins growing toward the light , rotate the plant a quarter turn to encourage strong , upright growth .

4. Water when soil feels dry.

The most common ground for poinsettia declination is poor tearing . Too much wateror too little water will cause plant to unload leaves and take on a bedraggled appearance .

pee a poinsettia when the top of the stain just becomes dry . Check the plant every few days as it will dry out out quickly in forced melody heating . Remove the foil pot screen , if the plant life has one , and irrigate the plant in the sinkhole , good drenching the soil . provide supernumerary piddle to freely drain out . Never permit a lobster plant to stand in water ; waterlogged soil will cursorily eat the stem of oxygen , and the plant life will wilt .

5. Avoid drafts and temperature swings.

A nip of stale air from an open doorway or replicate hot air flowing from a nearby radiator are significant lobster plant stressors . Place your flora where it can enjoy a consistent restrained temperature . Poinsettias grow well when thethermostat is setbetween 60 and 70 ° F .

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes , poinsettias can be wield as a houseplant yr - round . It will exchange its coloured leaves with dark-green leaves in February or March . It will take some work , but the poinsettia can produce colorful leaves again next winter .

Your plant is losing foliage due to some sort of stress . Is the soil waterlogged ? Or too wry ? Has the plant been let out to a cold swig or red-hot aura ?

No , Christmas flower are not toxicant , but their milky sap can cause mild discomfort . To be safe , keep Christmas star forth from small children and pets .