Poinsettia Care (Euphorbia pulcherrima)  flowers (bracts) should last for 2—6 months. General Care Temperature: keep above 60oF while flowering. Light:   Bright light during winter, keep away from drafts – In summer, keep out of direct sun if plant is to be kept for next Christmas. Water: Water thoroughly - wait until soil is moderately dry before watering again. Water immediately if leaves begin to wilt. Water more  in summer. Air Humidity: Mist plant frequently during while flowering. After Flowering Care: Discard or keep to rebloom next year. For reblooming follow instructions below. Propagation: Take stem cuttings in early summer. Use a rooting hormone.

Reblooming your poinsettia When the leaves have fallen, cut back the stems so they are 4 in. high. The soil should be kept almost dry and the pot placed in a shady spot. In early May, water and repot the plant, replacing some of the old soil. Continue watering and shoots will appear. Feed regularly and remove some of the new growth to leave several of the strongest new stems. From the end of September, carefully control the light. Cover with a black garbage bag, or put in a room that gets ONLY natural light. Your pointsettia needs to be in darkness for 14 hours each night. Continue daily for 8 weeks, then treat normally. Your Poinsettia will already be in bloom again at Christmas time.

Problem Solutions Loss of flower heads; leaf edges turning yellow or brown The most common cause is dry air. Poinsettias need moist air - mist plant frequently. Insects Red spider mite and mealy bug are the main pests. Use a houseplant pesticide, following container instructions. Leaves wilt, then fall Overwatering is the likely reason; the surface of the soil must be dry before water is applied. Failure to water often enough can also cause leaves to wilt and fall. Leaves fall with No wilting If the plant is in a spot that’s too cold, or If has been subjected to hot or freezing drafts then the leaves will fail. Another cause of leaf fall is poor light.

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