The ideal temperature range for a poinsettia is between 55-70°F (13-21°C) during the day and no lower than 50°F (10°C) at night. This means that temperatures below 50°F (10°C) are too cold for a poinsettia, and it could be severely damaged or even die.
In addition, direct contact with cold wind or rain can also cause cold damage and should be avoided. To protect poinsettias from cold temperatures and wind, it is best to bring them indoors or in a sheltered area during winter.
How long can a poinsettia last in the cold?
A poinsettia will not survive in temperatures that are consistently cold, below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees celsius). Poinsettias are tropical plants and will suffer if exposed to cold temperatures for too long.
If the poinsettia is exposed to a frost or even temperatures close to freezing, it will likely die. However, if the temperatures remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the poinsettia can last outside for several hours without damage.
During winter months, it’s best to bring the plant into a warm, sunny location. Doing so will help it survive the cold temperatures and allows it to flourish and bloom.
Can poinsettia be outside during winter?
No, poinsettias are not tolerant of the cold temperatures typically associated with winter. Ideal poinsettia temperatures range from 65-70°F during the day and around 55-60°F during the night. Unfortunately, in most climates these temperatures are not achievable outdoors in the winter.
In addition, leaving them outside also increases their chance of being exposed to freezing temperatures and frost, which can cause significant damage to the plant. If you live in a climate with mild winters, you may be able to keep poinsettias outside during this season as long as temperatures don’t dip below freezing.
However, even then, you should bring them inside when temperatures begin to drop too low. Additionally, make sure the area is protected from strong winds and frost, and provide poinsettias with partial sun and lots of indirect light since direct sunlight can cause leaf burn.
What temperature kills poinsettias?
Most species of poinsettias are winter-hardy in U. S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, meaning they can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit can cause significant damage to both the foliage and stems of poinsettias, leading to dieback.
Temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, especially when combined with nonexistant or inadequate winter protection, can kill the plant entirely. Therefore, temperatures below 28 Fahrenheit will likely cause damage to poinsettias, and temperatures below 20 Fahrenheit can kill them.
Can I put poinsettia on the porch?
Yes, you can put poinsettias on your porch if you would like. However, keep in mind that poinsettias need 6-8 hours of indirect light a day to keep them healthy. If your porch does not get enough sun, you may want to supplement their light with a grow light.
Also, make sure to choose a spot away from any wind to protect your poinsettia from getting damaged. When deciding whether or not to put your poinsettias on the porch, also take into account your climate.
Poinsettias are tropical plants, meaning they like humid temperatures and generally do not do well in cold weather. If you live in a climate with cold winters, you may want to consider keeping your poinsettias indoors to make sure they survive.
Can you leave a potted poinsettia outside?
No, you should not leave a potted poinsettia outside. Poinsettias are used to mild temperatures and bright, indirect sunlight and they’re not able to tolerate cold or wet weather conditions. If exposed to cold temperatures, poinsettias can become frostbitten or receive other damage from the elements.
Additionally, potting soil that’s exposed to extreme temperatures can become too dry or wet, causing the roots to suffer and become unhealthy. Therefore, if you want to keep the poinsettia alive for the longest amount of time, you should keep it in a warm, protected spot indoors.
When should I bring my poinsettia inside?
It’s best to bring your poinsettia inside before temperatures drop below 50°F. They do not tolerate frost and prefer to be kept in an area with warm temperatures. If possible, try to bring the plant indoors during late afternoon or early evening so that it can slowly adjust to the new light and temperature before night falls.
Additionally, keep your poinsettia away from drafts, cold air, and direct sunlight. Once you bring the plant indoors, make sure to check the soil moisture regularly – if it feels dry to the touch, water the plant.
Will poinsettias live all year?
No, poinsettias are a type of seasonal plants, meaning they live for a limited, specific period of time. Although the vibrant red and green leaves are a major holiday tradition, their short lifespan usually runs from November to January.
Poinsettias require proper degrees of moisture, light, and temperature, but regardless of their conditions, they will eventually die. Therefore, it is impossible for them to live all year long.
How do you keep a poinsettia alive all year long?
Keeping a poinsettia alive all year long requires dedication and effort but is possible. For starters, you should purchase a healthy plant with dark green foliage and no flower buds. Place the plant in a sunny window where it will receive plenty of natural light but indirect sunlight to avoid scorching the delicate leaves.
Water the plant thoroughly when the top of the soil feels dry. Aim to water it every 7-10 days. Avoid overwatering and let the plant dry out in between waterings. Fertilize your poinsettia twice a month using a liquid fertilizer specifically designed for houseplants.
Be sure to provide adequate humidity, as poinsettias thrive in humid environments. Consider misting the plant occasionally or placing it near a humidifier. Prune your poinsettia regularly by pinching off the stems at the point where the leaves meet, encouraging a bushier shape and denser foliage.
Finally, when the temperature falls below 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter months, place the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water to raise the humidity around the plant and protect it from the cold.
Do poinsettias come back every year?
No, poinsettias are not a perennial plant, so they do not typically come back every year. Poinsettias are a flowering shrub, native to Mexico, which typically blooms during the winter months, making it a popular choice for holiday decorations.
In order to get a poinsettia to “come back” the following year, you would need to take extra care of it throughout the winter months so that it remains healthy and blooms again. This would involve providing it with plenty of sunlight, keeping the soil moist but not overly saturated, and monitoring the temperature to make sure it doesn’t drop below 55°F.
Additionally, during the winter months, you may need to occasionally pinch off the tips of the poinsettia to help it maintain its bush-like shape. These diligent efforts may help the poinsettia return to its original glory in the coming year, however this is not guaranteed as poinsettias are still subject to many environmental variables that could affect their health.
What do you do with a poinsettia after the leaves fall off?
Once the leaves of your poinsettia start to fall off, it is important to act quickly to give your plant the best chance of lasting until bloom time next season. First, you should cut off any remaining leaves or stems and discard them.
Next, put the poinsettia into a sunny, warm spot and reduce the amount of water it receives, allowing the soil to become dry between waterings. During the spring and summer, you can continue to keep the plant in a sunny spot, and be sure to keep the soil evenly moistened.
In the fall, reduce the amount of water, and gradually begin to reduce the amount of light it receives, until the start of winter when you should stop watering it entirely and place the poinsettia in a completely dark area such as a basement or closet for six to eight weeks.
When the blooming period arrives, you should bring the plant out of the dark space and begin to water again. The poinsettia should start to manifest new growth and colorful bracts shortly after reintroducing it to light and water.
At what temperature should poinsettias be brought inside?
Poinsettias should be brought inside when temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C). Due to their delicate nature, they should not be left outside if the temperature is expected to drop below 40°F (4.4°C). Additionally, it is best to bring them inside when temperatures outside reach the mid-60°F (15.
5°C) range as any lower temperatures can cause the leaves to wilt. The ideal temperature for poinsettias when indoors is about 68°F (20°C). It is important to remember not to place the plant in a spot that gets direct sunlight and keep the temperature consistent for the plant to thrive.
Furthermore, make sure to water them regularly and keep their petals and leaves free from dust.
How cold can potted poinsettias get?
Potted poinsettias should not be exposed to temperatures lower than 55℉ (12.7℃). Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause the foliage to yellow and drop off the plant. Poinsettias are tropical plants and prefer warmth with indirect sunlight.
If possible, try to keep the pot indoors or in a sheltered location to protect it from cold, wind, and frost. Also, water when the soil feels dry to the touch and fertilize during the spring and summer months.
With proper care, poinsettias will continue to flourish.
How do I save my poinsettia for next year?
To save your poinsettia for next year, you’ll need to give it the right care and attention in the coming months. After blooming, place the poinsettia away from direct heat sources and drafts, in a bright location where it will receive at least six hours of bright indirect light each day.
Water regularly, allowing the top inch of the soil to dry out between waterings. Once the danger of frost is past, move it outdoors to a partially shaded area gradually introducing it to full sun. In late summer prune the plant to shape it, and begin withholding water for two weeks.
After that, begin watering again and fertilize every two weeks with a houseplant fertilizer. In mid-October, reduce water and light and store the plant in a cool dark area, such as a basement, for 10–14 hours at night.
When new buds appear, resume regular watering and keeping the plant in its normal light location.