poinsettia small leaves

Improper watering may be responsible for the leaf drop on the poinsettia. Over-watering will cause the lower leaves to turn yellow and drop. Plants that are allowed to get too dry will wilt and also drop leaves. The water needs of a poinsettia can be determined with your finger.

How do I make my poinsettia bushy?

Poinsettias naturally grow to be a large shrub. To keep them at a compact size during the year, you will have to cut the stems to a shorter length. Once you have cut off the dead leaves that block them, you can cut off the stems more easily to this length.

Will Poinsettia leaves grow back?

Fortunately, you can revive a neglected poinsettia and have plenty of time to ensure it is in full, colorful bloom when it is time to get out the holiday decorations again next year. Remove the dead leaves from the pot underneath the plant.

How do you prune a leggy poinsettia?

Follow the poinsettia care tips outlined so far, and you may find that your houseplant survives from winter into spring—or even longer. If you plan on keeping it around, prune the stems back to six inches when the plant begins to get leggy, and continue to place it in a sunny spot that's about 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

How do you know when a poinsettia is dying?

A • A Poinsettia that is wilting is either too hot, too wet, or too dry. Poinsettias need to be constantly moist and will visibly wilt if allowed to become too dry. Feel the soil. If dry, water thoroughly, and it will quickly revive, but some leaves will be shed as a result.

Will a poinsettia turn red again?

Restoring a healthy green Poinsettia plant from last year back to its original red color is no problem if you follow a few simple rules. The bracts will start to turn color in about four weeks, and continue if you carefully keep up the process. ...

Do poinsettias like sun or shade?

Poinsettias need a minimum of six hours of indirect sunlight each day. Protect the plants from freezing temperatures, especially when transporting them. Place them in a light-filled room away from drafts. They do best in rooms between 55 and 65 F at night and 65 to 70 F during the day.

Why are my poinsettia leaves curling and falling off?

Poinsettias need strong morning light and the soil needs to dry out between waterings. If the soil stays moist, the plant will suffer and may cause leaf curling or leaf drop. ... A hot draft, say from a heat radiator, will cause the leaves to curl and eventually shed.

What is the best way to keep a poinsettia alive?

To keep them happy throughout the season, place them in bright, indirect light. Water them regularly so that the soil stays evenly moist; if the surface of the soil is dry to the touch, it's time for a drink. Just be wary of flooding them, because their roots can start to rot if they sit in standing water.

How often should you water a poinsettia?

In your home, put the poinsettia in a well lighted area away from drafts and heat vents. Water the poinsettia when the pot becomes lightweight or when the soil becomes dry to the touch, about once a week. Water the plant thoroughly in a sink, letting it drain, before putting it back where it was.

When should a poinsettia be cut back?

Poinsettias (both potted and in the ground) should be pruned twice a year, first in the spring and again in late summer. Remembering the “A” months is a helpful tip, April and August. For the first pruning in spring (April), remove all foliage and cut all branches back to 4-6″ of height.

When should you pinch a poinsettia?

Pinching should occur once the poinsettia roots reach the edge of the pot (12-14 days after transplanting). Pinch to leaf count based on the number of bracts desired (i.e. leave 6-7 leaves to ensure a plant with 6 bracts).

Do poinsettias like coffee grounds?

Poinsettias do well with good light and indirect sunlight. Poinsettias seem to like a little leftover, cooled coffee—just a cup or so over the course of a week. ... Coffee grounds are highly acidic, they note, so they should be reserved for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries.

How do I save my poinsettia for next year?

After all the leaves have fallen, store the plant, in its pot, in a cool (50 to 60°F), dry, dark area. Keep the plant somewhat on the dry side; water only enough to keep the stems from withering.

How do you care for a poinsettia plant indoors?

Place potted poinsettias indoors in indirect light. Six hours or more of light (natural or fluorescent) is best. Keep them comfortable, ideally between 65 and 75 degrees, day or night. Lower temperatures will make them drop leaves almost immediately and shut down.

Do poinsettias die?

Poinsettia plants echo the colors and spirit of the winter holiday season. ... Poinsettia leaves shrivel and die in incorrect temperatures. These cold-sensitive plants do not tolerate fluctuations in temperature and respond by shriveling and dropping leaves.

Why are my poinsettia leaves not turning red?

In order to get a poinsettia plant to turn red, you need to eliminate its light. ... During the day, poinsettia plants require as much bright light as possible in order to absorb enough energy for color production. At night, however, poinsettia plants must not receive any light for at least 12 hours.

What do I do with my poinsettia after Christmas?

Toss the poinsettia when you grow tired of it or it becomes unattractive. For those home gardeners who enjoy a challenge, it is possible to get the poinsettia to bloom again next season. Cut the stems back to within 4 to 6 inches of the soil in March. The poinsettia may also be repotted at this time.

Where should I put a poinsettia?

Poinsettias also like lots of direct light. Place your plants near a southern, eastern or western window and keep the soil moist while they are still in bloom. Balsis warns against allowing poinsettias to sit in water. Instead, gently remove the plant from its container, soak it well and place it back in the pot.

Does poinsettia need a lot of water?

Answer: You should water your poinsettias whenever the soil feels dry to the touch, about once per week. Because yes, even Christmas cheer comes down to a science. ... When you first get your poinsettia, remove any foil coverings and poke a few holes in the bottom if there aren't any, so that water can drain away.

Where is the best place to plant a poinsettia?

Plant them in a sunny, well-drained location protected from north winds and frost. The south side of a house or wall is usually a good spot. Make sure the location receives no artificial light at night from flood lights, street lights or porch lights, as this can prevent poinsettias from blooming properly.