Poinsettias are easy to care for if you start by
removing the foil cover around the pot. Removing the foil allows the water you
provide to adequately drain to provide necessary oxygen to the roots. Water
regularly when the surface of the soil is dry to the touch, provide a saucer
under the pot and drain the saucer when excess water collects. Soggy soil that
does not drain can quickly kill a poinsettia. Keep your poinsettias in a bright area never in full
sun or under hot lights, keep away from drafts. When the holiday is over,
you can plant your holiday poinsettia into your South Florida garden to enjoy
for years of seasonal color. Choose a sunny spot that will not receive any
artificial light to establish your poinsettia. Poinsettias prefer a sunny, well-draining
soil area. Poinsettias respond well to good care, regular irrigation and
fertilization. Apply a slow release fertilizer every three months. Prune
poinsettias regularly as new growth develops. Pruning in this manner will
produce a nice compact plant with many showy flowers, rather than one with few
long, un-branched canes. Discontinue pruning after September 10th. Ideally, as the days become shorter in the fall, the poinsettias set
their flower buds. However, poinsettias may not flower if their day length is
extended by artificial light. This can occur when a poinsettia is growing near
a street light or near a house where it receives light from a porch, window or
door. In such cases, either flowering will be delayed or the plant may not
flower at all. For
information on caring for all your holiday flowers contact the Palm Beach
County Cooperative Extension Service Master Gardener Volunteers at 233-1750
M-F 9-4