Poinsetta Repotting Time And After Care

Question

Hi,

I have a Poinsettia, about 4 years old. Main stem about half an inch then 4 irregular branches splaying out about 2ins above soil in a earthenware pot about 1 2inches deep and round, soil about 2ins below the top.
1. When should the plant be re-potted, currently 12+ red leaves.
2.What fertilizer or other slow release food can I add to the soil and new soi/compostl will be needed – maybe a John Innes 2, 3 or similar? I never know which one does what.
3.What plant food can I add regularly either when watering soil or misting, or slow release drip feed and how much to be given, with current size and age of plant?

I looked on line and general advice was:
•Keep above 55deg F 13C, seems a bit chilly? >> Currently in kitchen near the Aga, about 65F 18C.
•Don’t stand on window ledge for sunlight – colder, slight draught? >> It is about 10ft from window, gets natural light no direct sunlight on leaves.
•Mist leaves frequently, don’t over water, if soil looks dry, oak surface soil don’t flood, leaves are a give away how plant is feeling, pale creamy green not well, medium to dark green all is well. >> I can’t get leaves a decent green. Recently been feeding drip feed made by Doff – for Poinsettia Amaryllis and Christmas cacti. Print is too small to read what chemicals are, liquid looks like dentists mouthwash! I suspect plant is pot bound, repotted 18 months ago from a small pot so roots had plenty of space after re-potting but now probably crowded again? Quite a few red leaves and most leaves seem slightly wavy curly along the edges as if not fully open, even after soil watered and leaves misted. Is it too dry – air and soil? Rest of large house much cooler, heating not on a lot.

Thanks in advance for your help and advice.

Answer 1

Your plant might enjoy a couple months of darkness and less water once the blooms are finished. They like to have a dormant period. Repotting would best be done in the spring. We don't make product recommendations, but I know that regular houseplant fertilizer works best for these plants. Our website has a plethora of articles on how to care for poinsettias. I'll provide a few links for you here:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/poinsettia/poinsettia-care-how-do-you-take-care-of-poinsettias.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/poinsettia/poinsettia-fertilizer-requirements.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/poinsettia/how-to-make-poinsettia-turn-red-make-a-poinsettia-rebloom.htm