We are caring for our poinsettias and covering them for over 12 hrs. each night. We will be away for a few days in Oct. Should we leave the plants covered or uncovered?
I am not really sure which would be more effective, but I suspect leaving the plants in the dark for a few days would be more helpful for promoting flowering. The plants may be slightly unhappy because of the lack of light, but they'll recover within a few days.
My poinsettia had been doing really well, but was moved for a couple of days to a different window ledge, and now the leaves are starting to fall off. The leaves initially began drooping, and then began spotting. The internet suggests that the plant is reacting to chemical fungicides; however, I have not used any on the plant. Is there any way to recover this?
Check the soil moisture. The soil should be moist, but never soggy.
Check the soil before watering, don't water on a schedule.
If the plant has been in the same soil and pot for some time; it may be time to repot the plant with some fresh, good quality potting soil.
Here are some links with more care information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/poinsettia/poinsettia-care-after-christmas.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/poinsettia/poinsettia-leaves-turning-yellow.htm
I have been following the instructions for getting my poinsettia to re-bloom. I have been keeping it in the dark (covered by a large box) for about 13-14 hours a night, and allowing it to get sunlight during the day. I have been doing this routine for the past month roughly. I have 2 concerns. The first is that I am not yet seeing any red leaves. How long does it usually take to start seeing the colour change take place? Also, when I open the box in the morning, there is almost always 2-5 leaves that have fallen off over night. Is this normal? Or am I going to have nothing left of the plant I cared for all year by Christmas? Thanks so much!! Jennifer
There are specifics in the care, pruning, dormancy, fertilizing and as you mention withholding light from the plants.
This can be a difficult process in a home environment.
Leaf or flower bract drop could be due to temperature changes or watering issues.
This article has more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/poinsettia/how-to-make-poinsettia-turn-red-make-a-poinsettia-rebloom.htm
I was given a purple with glitter poinsettia for my Birthday. I know that it will die soon with all that on it. Is there any way I can remove the glitter and dye without hurting my plant or do anything that will save it? Thank you very much. Cheers, Lori
No, you cannot remove the glitter. It is actually sprayed on with a glitter spray aerosol paint.
Water will damage the leaves. You should use care when watering your poinsettia, water the soil and avoid getting water on the leaves.
Your plant will likely last, glitter and all several weeks past the holiday with proper care and light.
They say poinsettias are native to South America, then why is it that they say to bloom again it has to have all this constant darkness? I have been told you need to put them in a closet or provide darkness for certain months...in the wild they don't get that. I have one from last year that I almost threw out after the holidays...I sat it outside on the porch and during the summer it grew very well. I brought it in this fall and now it's in my bedroom window. It's nice and healthy but green.... just wondered how to get it to bloom.
These articles have information on the origination and the history of the Poinsettia in the United States.
Also information on the care of your plant.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/poinsettia/poinsettia-care-how-do-you-take-care-of-poinsettias.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/poinsettia/how-to-make-poinsettia-turn-red-make-a-poinsettia-rebloom.htm
http://extension.illinois.edu/poinsettia/facts.cfm
I have asked 'Google' in every way possible to find an answer to the following question...(I never get an answer). So I have two older, large, all green leaves poinsettias. My question is...can I transplant both of them into one large pot? I'd be grateful for your reply. Thank you.
Sure you can!
Make sure you choose a pot that have enough room for both root balls and just a bit more room around the sides and bottom. Don't use too large of a pot, this can lead to overwatering and root rot.
The plants should sit as the same level in the new pot.
A container should have a good drainage hole and use a good commercial potting soil.
What are the best times to prune Poinsettias that are growing outdoors?
Outdoor poinsettias should be pruned in early spring, after the last frost date in your region, as described in this article under "pruning":
http://nassau.ifas.ufl.edu/horticulture/gardentalk/poinsettias.html