I have a healthy green poinsettia. Can I make it turn red for Christmas? Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
This article should help you with this: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/poinsettia/how-to-make-poinsettia-turn-red-make-a-poinsettia-rebloom.htm
I am working with a non-profit organization near Atlanta, GA. We are obtaining the use of an unused greenhouse at a local high school. We would like to grow poinsettias for the Christmas season to sell at the local churches. All profits will go back in the organization to provide jobs and training for down on their luck citizens. I need to know more about growing the poinsettias in our area, if it's viable and if there is time to grow them for this Christmas.
Growing poinsettias is easy when you provide them with the proper care. Here is an article or two that you may find helpful: 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
I broke a branch off of my poinsettia and put it in water in an attempt to start a whole new plant. The branch seems to be growing in the water but it won't grow roots. Is there a way for this branch to become a whole new plant?
It can be somewhat difficult to try and root broken branches. However, if you want to try to propagate the broken stem, use only an inch or two of bare (green) stem with a couple small leaves, or tip cuttings, since these root much easier than the old, woody branches. Stick the cutting into a pot filled with damp potting mix and seal this inside a clear plastic bag. This will help retain moisture similar to a mini greenhouse. Place it in an area receiving bright, indirect light. In about 4-6 weeks, the cutting should be rooted and can be taken from the bag.
I was repotting my poinsettia because it was getting too big for the old pot. A branch accidentally broke off. Is there a way I can save the branch that broke off?
Because the leaves are so thin, cuttings usually wilt before the stems develop roots; therefore, it can be somewhat difficult to try and root broken branches. However, if you want to try to propagate the broken stem, use only an inch or two of bare (green) stem with a couple small leaves, or tip cuttings, since these root much easier than the old, woody branches. Stick the cutting into a pot filled with damp potting mix and seal this inside a clear plastic bag. This will help retain moisture similar to a mini greenhouse. Place it in an area receiving bright, indirect light. In about 4-6 weeks, the cutting should be rooted and can be taken from the bag.
Can I store my poinsettias in the basement so that they can turn red? I don't have a closet to place them in. I heard that they need 12 hours of darkness, well, I live in Cleveland, Ohio and now it's dark from 7 pm till 8 am and then there's still not a lot of bright light. Right now I have them sitting in my living room, which really does not receive a lot of light. They have grown very well. What can I do?
As long as it is dark, a basement will work fine. If you have not already read our article on getting poinsettias to bloom, you may find it helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/poinsettia/how-to-make-poinsettia-turn-red-make-a-poinsettia-rebloom.htm
I have poinsettias planted outside (Zephyrhills, Fl). At what temp should I cover them when it gets cold at night and with what do I use?
They really can't tolerate temps below 40F. I would consider covering them if you expect temps between 45F to 50F.
It is best to cover plants with a cloth sheet. Do not use plastic directly as this will harm the plants, though you can cover with a cloth sheet and then a plastic one if you are expecting rain.
I have a printout on how to regrow poinsettias and turn them red. I thought I was doing everything right. As of the middle of September, I have been putting them under a large box and taking them out in the morning. . . about 14-15 hours. Only thing is, I've been looking online to see when they should be turning red and am now reading that I should have been putting them under the box early in the day. I've been putting them under about 7 pm each night and taking them out about 9:30-10 a. m. each morning. I've got it backwards. About mid-October I noticed 2 little tiny leaves with just a touch of red on them and thought "Oh no! It's too early!" Still keeping them under the box. Is there anything I can do at this point to still have them turn red in time for Christmas or did my mistake of putting them under too late in the evening ruin that? Thanks for any help you can give me!! Mary Hogan
I think that as long as you provide the shortened "days" the plants will continue their red leaves. It will require more work to keep them in this state, but that will keep them red until Christmas.