Watering your Poinsettia

I get a lot of questions this time of year about watering poinsettias. Here’s the scoop (of dirt):

Poinsettias like to stay a little more on the dry side. They don’t like “wet feet”. The pots/containers of most poinsettias you buy this time of year are decoratively wrapped in colored foil. It has been my experience, the type of soil they are potted in can vary significantly. Sometimes the soil has a lot of peat in it, and if left to dry out, turns to what I call “compressed powder”. This makes it difficult for the water to absorb back into the soil, so you might find when you water, it runs right through it like a sieve.

Here’s what to do: If your container cover is waterproof, that is it didn't get holes in it, give it a good drink of water until when you feel the bottom, you can tell water has gone through and is in the wrapping. Leave it for about 30 minutes or so, come back and see if you feel it. More than likely it has soaked that water back up. If you still have water in it, pour the rest out. Don’t forget this step, as if left sitting in water, you probably won’t have your poinsettia by Christmas! You can use a dish or bowl if your wrapping leaks. Protect surfaces that could be damaged by water or moisture.

                                              Lots of varieties to choose from!

As you return it to its place of prominence, note the weight of the plant. It should not feel light anymore. Days later, pick it up. If it feels a lot lighter, you know it is time to water. You can also tap your finger on the top of the soil. If you have moist soil on your finger, leave it alone. Don’t kill it with kindness! If it is dry, do the weight test to confirm it is time to water. 

These don’t have to be disposable plants either! You can actually put these in a sunroom and keep them growing throughout the year with a few techniques to get them to bloom again next year!

                                                         Tip: When purchasing, look for the center yellow/red flowers to still be tight. 

          

                      The more open and the more pollen you see, the older the blooms.  

                   HAPPY GROWING and MERRY CHRISTMAS!                              TLC Floral, Indian Trail, NC