Like the subject line days, I've had my poinsettia for 8 years. It's about 4 feet tall. I trim it back every year so it doesnt get any taller. It makes a beautiful red tree for Christmas. But lately it's looking like it's dying. It's in a big pot with room to grow. I fertilize it every year after the blooming season. I cant figure out whats wrong with it. I appreciate any advice you can give me. Everything I research doesn't mention an 8 yr old plant. I'm sorry, but I can't upload a picture. My phone has been acting up. Thank you in advance for your help.
You may try repotting it! give it fresh soil and sut off about 3 inches of the bottom of the roots. Spread the rest out and repot with a mix of fresh soil and dolomitic lime (I use agri-pel, it is about 5 dollars for a 40 lb bag here in Tennessee... use a small handful per gallon of soil.) This plant, in tropical environments, is a perennial. It sounds like you are doing well with it... But things get rootbound after awhile. Just do that and you should see a dramatic comeback.
Where do I plant my poinsettia, zone 9?
You are best to have the in container in your area. They will not tolerate temperatures under 50 degrees for very long, and any frost will kill them. You are just outside of their natural growing zone. There are a few hardy varieties, but they aren't as impressively colored. Here is an article for more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/poinsettia/poinsettia-cold-tolerance.htm
can you plant a poinsettia outside?
Yes, you can plant a poinsettia outside as long as you have the proper conditions for it. It will grow best in USDA gardening zones 9 through 11. See these articles for more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/poinsettia/poinsettia-cold-tolerance.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/planting-zones/usda-planting-zone-map.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/planting-zones/hardiness-zone-converter.htm
Growing poinsettia in outdoor desert.
I am uncertain as to the exact question here, but I will assume you are asking how you would go about growing this in the environment mentioned.
This article will give you more information on their care requirements. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/poinsettia/outdoor-poinsettia-plants.htm
I have been given a Poinsettia as gift for christmas.Unfortunately some of the leaves are dropping and others are wilting.Can you give me some advise on how to correct this.I thought it was wilting because it was dry but it seems very wet and mould is growing on the soil. Many Thanks Jane
Poinsettia like damp but not wet conditions. If your pot doesn't have drainage holes, that is a problem. Only water when you can wiggle your finger into the soil for a half-inch or so before you reach moisture. Do not soak the plant; this causes root rot. It is demanding as a houseplant, in my opinion. Read more here: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/poinsettia/poinsettia-care-how-do-you-take-care-of-poinsettias.htm
I live in the Tampa,FL area, bought several poinsettias for Christmas; can I plant in ground now? Thanks, Elliott elliott1@tampabay.rr.com
You can plant poinsettias outdoors after the last chance of frost, which is mid to late January in Tampa, so planting around Feb 1st is ideal. Please see this article for more advice on where and how to plant them outdoors:
http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/hot_topics/lawn_and_garden/poinsettias.shtml
I AM WONDERING IF I CAN PLANT MY POINSETTA PLANT IN SAND... I HAVE FILLED IN SWIMMING POOL AND I DIG A LARGE HOLE THEN PUT IN REGULAR POTTING SOIL AND COVER THE PLANT WITH SOIL THEN SAND. WILL THIS WORK FOR POINSETTAS ? THANK YOU, DFWARNER6@GMAIL.COM
It is better to mix the soil with the sand before planting the poinsettias, rather than having layers of soil and pure sand. However, sand is a beneficial component to mix into soil for poinsettias, since they prefer well-drained soil. Here is more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/poinsettia/outdoor-poinsettia-plants.htm
http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/hot_topics/lawn_and_garden/poinsettias.shtml