Poinsettias are sensitive to temperatures below 50°F, and in such extreme temperatures, the leaves may turn black. Therefore, although temperature requirements depend on the variety, poinsettias generally require temperatures no lower than 50-55°F.
At temperatures below this range, poinsettias may become damaged, affecting the quality of the foliage, bracts and stems. If temperatures are expected to drop below 45°F, it is best to protect poinsettias with a frost cloth, to prevent the branches and leaves from freezing.
If a poinsettia has already been exposed to temperatures below 45°F, it may become damaged and the leaves may turn yellow and drop off. While the plant may still survive, it likely will not become fully healthy again and may not look as attractive.
Therefore, to maintain good health and prevent damage, it is best to avoid exposing poinsettias to any temperatures below 50°F.
How long will a poinsettia last outside?
A poinsettia should not be kept outside for an extended period of time if you plan to keep it looking healthy for the longest amount of time possible. Generally, poinsettias cannot tolerate temperatures below 50°F, so care should be taken when deciding how long to leave them outside.
In the best case, they should only be kept outside when temperatures are relatively moderate and not too cold. If you do plan to leave them outside, make sure they are in a sheltered spot, away from cold and temperature extremes, as these could cause the leaves to discolor and the plant to die.
They may last outside for a couple of hours, but any longer than that and it is at risk of damage.
Can poinsettias be kept outside in the winter?
No, poinsettias should not be kept outside in the winter. While they are hardy plants, they are not winter hardy or frost tolerant. If the temperature dips below 50°F or 10°C, their leaves can become dehydrated and damaged, resulting in wilting, yellowing, and dropping off.
The best place to keep poinsettias during the winter is away from direct sunlight, in an area where the temperature is consistently around 55-60°F (13-16°C). Additionally, when kept indoors it’s best to water poinsettias when the soil is dry to the touch and to avoid over-watering them.
Can you leave a potted poinsettia outside?
No, unfortunately you can’t leave a potted poinsettia outside. These plants are tropical and need to be kept indoors where it is warm and humid. If a poinsettia is left outside, it will suffer in the cold temperatures and be exposed to any number of environmental threats.
It’s possible for the plant to survive for a short period of time, but it will die quickly if left in the cold. Furthermore, many pests and diseases that can damage a poinsettia’s health will be out in the open environment.
Even if the temperature isn’t freezing, leaving a poinsettia outdoors sometime during the year can be dangerous. As a houseplant, poinsettias need an even amount of water, light, and humidity to stay healthy and thrive.
Outdoor conditions can be too dry, too cold, and too bright for these plants. Even in the summer, a potted poinsettia should not be left outside due to the hot and dry temperatures.
When should I bring my poinsettia inside?
It is best to bring your poinsettia inside before night temperatures dip below 55 degrees. Once the plant is inside, place it in a location that never exceeds 65-70 degrees during the day and no lower than 55-60 degrees overnight.
Make sure the plant gets plenty of bright sunlight and turn it occasionally to keep it a symmetrical shape. Water the potting medium thoroughly when the surface begins to look dry, while keeping the potting medium evenly moist, but not soggy.
Provide good air circulation around the plant and try to avoid drafty areas and doors. If you can, use your bathroom for an ideal poinsettia location as the steam and high humidity can help to keep the leaves from drying out.
Will poinsettias come back after a freeze?
No, poinsettias are not cold-tolerant and will not survive a freeze. It is important to protect poinsettias from cold temperatures; freezing temperatures can cause the foliage to turn black and become mushy.
If you experience a freeze and think that your poinsettia may have been damaged, take a closer look at the foliage. If there are any wilted leaves, they may be beyond salvaging. In any case, the poinsettia will not be able to grow back.
The best way to protect poinsettias from freezing is to bring them indoors when temperatures dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, make sure to keep them away from drafts, radiators, air conditioners, and other sources of cold air.
Do poinsettias like sun or shade?
Poinsettias prefer bright, indirect light but should not be placed in direct sunlight. They will thrive in a spot that receives at least six to eight hours of indirect light per day, such as near a south- or west-facing window.
While direct sunlight can be too harsh for poinsettias, they will also not thrive in complete shade and should be avoided. So, to keep poinsettias thriving all season long, the best option is a spot near, but not directly in, a south or west-facing window, where they will receive plenty of bright, indirect sunlight throughout the day.
How do I save my poinsettia for next year?
To save your poinsettia for next year, you will need to take a few steps. First, you will need to move the poinsettia to a sunny spot that gets 6-8 hours of indirect light per day. Depending on the time of year, you may need to provide supplemental artificial light to ensure that the plant receives the appropriate amount of light to promote growth.
You should water your poinsettia when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Be sure to avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot and other problems. Additionally, you may need to fertilize the poinsettia during the months of May and June to provide additional nutrition for growth.
When the temperatures start getting cooler in the fall, you may need to move the plant indoors and keep it away from any cold drafts. If it is brought indoors, you will need to provide it with temperature that range from 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is important to note that the plant will not flower if it is exposed to temperatures outside of this range. Keep the poinsettia in a bright spot and make sure to rotate it occasionally, so the plant will receive light from all directions.
During the winter, poinsettias usually go dormant and do not require as much water as they would during the summer months. You should water when the soil is dry but make sure not to over-water. Additionally, if you see any dead leaves, you should prune them off.
When spring comes, move the plant back outdoors and make sure to gradually acclimate the plant to the outdoor environment. Make sure to provide fertilization and give it plenty of light and you should be able to enjoy your poinsettia in the years ahead.
What temp is too cold for poinsettias?
Poinsettias are tropical plants native to Mexico and Central America and grow best in warm temperatures of 65 to 70°F during the day and around 55°F during the night. They can survive temperatures of 40°F, but anything colder than that can cause the leaves to lose their color and drop off.
In addition, temperatures below 30°F will completely kill the plant. Lower temperatures can also lead to a weakened plant that is at risk for diseases. So to ensure a healthy, vibrant poinsettia, temperatures should be kept at, or above, 40°F whenever possible.
What is the life expectancy of a poinsettia plant?
The average life expectancy of a poinsettia plant is approximately 6–8 weeks after it has been purchased. This life expectancy can be extended if the plant is cared for properly and given adequate light, water, and fertilizer; however, poinsettias are short-lived seasonal plants that die quickly if not cared for properly.
To extend the life of your poinsettia, it is important to water when the soil is dry to the touch and to give it plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. You should also make sure to fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks.
Additionally, you can prune back branches to keep the plant looking its best for longer. With proper care, your poinsettia plant may be able to last 3–4 months or longer.
Why is my poinsettia losing all its leaves?
One potential cause is inadequate light. Poinsettias need bright, indirect light in order to encourage healthy growth and flowering as well as maintain their vibrant color. Inadequate light can cause your poinsettia’s leaves to dry out and eventually drop off.
Another potential reason why your poinsettia is losing leaves is too much water. Poinsettias don’t like to be overly saturated with water and can experience root rot if they stay wet all the time. You should check the soil before watering and make sure that it’s almost dry before adding more.
Lastly, too much or too little fertilizer can cause your poinsettia to become stressed, making it drop its leaves. When fertilizing, make sure you’re following the package instructions closely, as too much fertilizer can cause your poinsettia to lose its leaves.
How do you keep a poinsettia over the winter?
To keep a poinsettia over the winter, you should start by keeping the plant in a well-lit spot in your home that isn’t too warm or cold. Then, let the soil dry out between waterings, but don’t let the soil become too dry or the plant will wilt.
Make sure the plant is receiving indirect sunlight at least 6 hours a day, but don’t let it get any direct sunlight. In late summer, reduce the amount of water and fertilizer you’re giving the plant and stop fertilizing completely in September.
In October or November, place the poinsettia in a place where it will get around 8-10 hours a day of complete darkness, such as a closet or basement. Keep in mind that too much light or a cold draft can weaken the plant, so you should keep it warm and shielded from any windows or drafts.
Finally, when spring rolls around, you can begin to increase the poinsettia’s sunlight exposure and take it out of the closet or basement. Increase the amount of light slowly so that the plant can adjust slowly to its surroundings.
How long do poinsettias live indoors?
Poinsettias can last up to a few months indoors if properly taken care of. They should be placed in an area of your home with bright, indirect sunlight and the soil should be kept evenly moist. The temperature of the room they are in should also be kept between 65-70 degrees F.
If all of these conditions are met, poinsettias can last for up to two months. To ensure that your poinsettia lasts as long as possible, you should also periodically trim off any wilted or dead leaves.
After the blooms have all faded, you can try to get the poinsettia to flower again the next year by placing it in a cool, dark spot for at least two months, then gradually moving it back out into the light.
With proper care, poinsettias should last for several months, in some cases up to nine months.