\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Some stores sell poinsettias in cellophane cones that … The sap can also damage the plant itself if left on the stems or leaves for too long. When that time comes, you will want to prune the plant. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Take care when pruning as the milky sap that is released by this plant is poisonous if consumed. Best Fertilizer for Poinsettia Plants. Dear Carmela, poinsettias are evergreen plants belonging to the genus euphorbia, native to Mexico; in nature they become large shrubs, up to 3-4 meters high, very well branched. “Waimea Homestead Farmers Market” from 7 a.m. to noon next to Thelma Parker Gym in front of Thelma Parker Library. How to Prune Poinsettia Plants. Hi Stan, Red Poinsettias. Your poinsettia probably won’t grow as large. When growing poinsettia in a pot, always use a premium-quality potting mix. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Keep the soil moist until the plant starts to take root. They will do best in an area that is lightly shaded or in direct sun only part of the day. If you are not planning to keep your poinsettias after the holidays, then you do not have to fertilize. If you’re serious about bringing back the Poinsettia of Christmas Past, you’re going to need to spend a year pruning your poinsettia back so that it doesn’t … Check on your poinsettia once a month. First of all consider taking out the pot to prune outside your home. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. It is many years old and he plants it out in the garden every summer and cuts it back and brings it inside in the winter. Park in front or on the north side. Pruning the poinsettia: Answer: Prune the poinsettia. Be aware that poinsettias are sensitive to root rot and other diseases if the growing medium is too wet. When you water your Poinsettia, use tepid water as to not shock your plant with a cold shower. A water-soluble fertilizer is easiest to apply, but a dry fertilizer will also satisfy poinsettia fertilizer requirements. Avoid placing plants near appliances, fireplaces or ventilating ducts. The distinctive red and green foliage of poinsettias can be seen all over during the Christmas holiday season, but these beautiful plants are often forgotten for the rest of the year. If you want to save your poinsettia and bring it to bloom again next year, you can follow the repotting and reblooming procedure. Poinsettias grow best in full sun through to about half shade. Poinsettias are a lovely gift for Mothers day, Christmas or used as a table centrepiece or decoration around the house. Check on your poinsettia once a month. Each year cut it back to the same structure to start over with if you want to maintain the 4-5' height. Generally your poinsettia should have been cut back already once or twice, and none of that really matters until now. Please tell me how to take care of my poinsettias so they will turn red again next year. Yes, if you want an attractive poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) with lots of flowers next winter, “hard” pruning this April and shaping until August will help you achieve that goal. I thought the plant was nice and now it doesn’t look nice at all.