Poinsettia Growing Zones - Information On Poinsettia Cold Tolerance

Growing a Poinsettia plant outdoors generally requires a minimum temperature of about 45°, but they grow best when night temperatures are about 60°. Poinsettias are only hardy in USDA zones 10-12, but will tolerate a VERY light frost.

How cold can poinsettias tolerate?

Poinsettias do not tolerate warm or cold drafts which may cause premature leaf drop, so keep them away from radiators, air vents, and fans as well as open windows or doors. High temperatures will shorten the file of the bracts. Don't expose your poinsettia to temperatures below 50 degrees.

At what temperature will poinsettias suffer damage?

Poinsettias will suffer damage if they are exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees F. Freezing temperatures will kill poinsettias.

What zones do poinsettias grow in?

Native to tropical parts of Mexico and Central America, poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are showy perennials that are hardy in zones 9 to 11, and they're surprisingly easy to grow.

Can poinsettias stay outside in cold weather?

Poinsettias require moderately moist soil. ... It is not necessary to fertilize the poinsettia when it is in bloom. Outside Placement. Since poinsettias are sensitive to cold weather, frost, and rain, outside placement during the winter months should be avoided.

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.

Do poinsettias come back every year?

Poinsettias can be kept year after year, and they will bloom each year if you give them proper care. When the leaves begin to yellow or when the plant is no longer desired as an ornamental, gradually withhold water. The leaves will pale and fall off. ... Figure 1 shows the parts of the plant.

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. ...

What is the best fertilizer for poinsettias?

Around the first of March, start fertilizing the poinsettia with a good balanced fertilizer. A water soluble fertilizer like Peter's, or Miracle-Grow works well.

Why are the leaves falling off my poinsettia?

Poinsettias will classically drop their leaves if they are exposed to sudden changes in temperature, drafts or overly cool or dry rooms. They also will lose leaves and wilt in response to an extreme need for water. When choosing a plant, pick a healthy, full one with no discoloration on the foliage.

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.

Can I keep a poinsettia outside?

You can keep poinsettias outside in containers or plant in beds as many resorts do this time of year, but make sure they are protected against extreme cold, Harper said. That means covering them or bringing them in on nights a freeze is expected.

How long does a poinsettia live?

"Home gardeners generally keep their poinsettias one or two years. If they're really dedicated, maybe a little longer. But the life span for interior plants when you live in the North is measured in months, not years."

What temperature is best for poinsettias?

Keep poinsettias away from warm or cold drafts from radiators, air registers or open doors and windows. Ideally poinsettias require daytime temperatures of 60 to 70°F and night time temperatures around 55°F. High temperatures will shorten the plant's life. Move the plant to a cooler room at night, if possible.

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.

Can poinsettias kill dogs?

Poinsettias, or Christmas Stars

Sap in poinsettia leaves is mildly toxic to pets (and children) and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling and nausea. In rare cases it can be fatal, but this is usually in young, elderly or dehydrated cats. Most pets don't eat nearly enough of the plant for this to happen.

How do you keep poinsettias alive all year round?

Move to a colder place where the temperature never goes over 60 degrees and out of sunlight. Keep it indoors if you live in dry and hot areas of the country. Sometime in May, repot the poinsettia in a bigger container. Cut all the stems down to about four inches.

How do you take care of a poinsettia in the winter?

Avoid exposing the plant to temperature below 55° or to hot or cold drafts, which may cause premature leaf drop. Place poinsettias in natural light near a sunny window in the winter, leaving some space between the leaves and the cold window pane. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch.

When should a poinsettia be pruned?

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.

How do you get a poinsettia to turn red again?

How To Get a Poinsettia To Turn Red

Help your poinsettia to turn red by placing it in total darkness for 14 hours each day, starting eight weeks before you want to display it.
During the day, the plant needs bright light, but it should be placed in complete darkness every evening.

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.

How do you keep poinsettias blooming?

To coax a poinsettia plant to bloom again, it's necessary to repeat the poinsettia life cycle. After the holidays and once blooming has ceased, limit the amount of watering so the plant can go dormant until spring. Then, usually around March or April, regular watering can be resumed and fertilizing can begin.