Lexi Webster
Poinsettias are a popular Christmas gift and decoration in Australia, but they are often discarded after the festive season. However, with the right care, they can be kept and encouraged to flower again the following year. Poinsettias are tropical plants that originate from Mexico and prefer a warm, temperate climate, so they are well-suited to the Australian climate. To keep your poinsettia healthy after Christmas, you'll need to pay attention to its sunlight, water, and fertiliser requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate | Warm temperate to tropical; indoor plant in cool climates |
| Soil | Well-drained, fertile loam or quality potting mix |
| Position | Sunny open spot; light shade from hot midday/afternoon sun |
| Watering | Keep moist, but not wet; water at least once a week in summer |
| Feeding | Use a long-term controlled-release fertiliser; supplement with liquid food from spring to autumn |
| Pruning | Prune after flowering to encourage larger flowers and more compact growth |
| Repotting | Replant into a slightly larger pot after pruning and fertilising |
| Sunlight | Minimum of six hours of indirect sunlight daily |
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Pruning and fertilising
Poinsettias are popular Christmas plants due to their bright red blooms. However, they require some care after the festive season to ensure they retain their bushy appearance and have the best chance of flowering again.
Pruning
After the Christmas blooms have fallen, usually by the end of winter to early spring, prune your poinsettia by half to encourage new growth. You can trim it back when it starts to look leggy. If you prune your poinsettia during summer and winter, you can use the cuttings to propagate new plants.
Fertilising
Poinsettias do not need extra nutrients during their blooming period. However, they respond well to fertilising in spring and summer. You can use a water-soluble or liquid fertiliser high in potash (potassium or "K" in the "NPK" ratio) every 3–4 weeks throughout the flowering season. Apply liquid fertiliser diluted by half every 2 weeks. You can also use controlled-release fertilisers, such as Scotts Osmocote All-Purpose Controlled-Release Fertiliser, in spring and again in autumn.
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Repotting and transplanting
Repotting
After your poinsettia has finished flowering, give it a good prune to maintain its bushy shape and encourage new growth. Cut the stems back to within 15 centimetres from the rim of the pot, and be sure to wear gloves and wash your hands after pruning, as the plant's sap can cause allergic reactions. You can also add a slow-release fertiliser at this stage. Once the plant starts growing again, you can repot it into a slightly larger pot with fresh, premium-quality potting mix. Keep the plant in a sunny spot, and continue to water it regularly, ensuring the soil doesn't dry out completely.
Transplanting
If you'd like to transplant your poinsettia into your garden, follow these steps. After your plant has finished flowering, give it a hard prune and add a handful of controlled-release fertiliser. Move the pot to a spot that receives at least six hours of indirect sunlight daily. Once new shoots appear, you can carefully remove the plant from its pot and transplant it into your garden. Choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun to part shade and is sheltered from strong winds. Prepare the planting area by digging a hole twice as wide as the root ball and to the same depth. Gently place the plant in the hole, backfill, and firm down the soil. Form a raised ring around the plant to create a well for efficient watering. Finish by mulching around the base with organic mulch, keeping it away from the base of the plant.
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Watering
Poinsettias require regular watering, especially during the warmer months in Australia. In summer, water your poinsettia at least once a week, and more frequently if it is very hot and dry or if the plant is in a pot. Make sure to thoroughly soak the plant each time. You can reduce the frequency of watering as the weather cools down, but don't let the soil dry out completely.
When watering, it is important to keep the soil moist but not wet. Poinsettias prefer well-drained soil, so ensure that excess water can drain out. You can cover the drain holes in the pot with flywire mesh to prevent the potting mix from washing out.
To encourage good colour in the flower heads, use a water-soluble or liquid fertiliser high in potash (potassium or "K" in the "NPK" ratio) every 3–4 weeks during the flowering season. A controlled-release fertiliser that feeds the plant for up to six months is also recommended.
If you are growing your poinsettia indoors, make sure it receives at least six hours of indirect sunlight daily. You can also move your plant outdoors in late May by gradually acclimating it to direct sunlight over a period of about a week.
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Sunlight
Poinsettias are native to Mexico and thrive in warm temperate, sub-tropical or tropical climates. They require a good amount of sunlight, but also like to be sheltered from the hot midday and afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. In Australia, they are often grown in greenhouses with controlled temperatures and light to promote flowering at Christmas.
To care for your poinsettia after the festive season, when the plant has finished flowering and lost its red leaves, give it a hard prune. You can cut the stems back to within 4-6 inches of the soil. This will encourage the plant to retain a bushy appearance and give it the best chance of flowering again. After pruning, add a slow-release fertiliser and, once the plant starts to grow again, consider repotting it into a larger pot with some good-quality potting mix.
Poinsettias require a minimum of six hours of indirect sunlight daily. If you are keeping your plant indoors, place it in a sunny window once new growth appears. If you are keeping your plant outdoors, make sure it is in a full sun to half-shade position, protected from strong winds and frost.
In the warmer months, water your poinsettia at least once a week and more often if it is in a pot or the weather is very hot and dry. Reduce the frequency as the weather cools, but do not let the soil dry out completely.
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Insecticides
Poinsettias are popular Christmas plants in Australia, with their bright red foliage adding a festive cheer to homes. While they are often discarded after the holidays, these plants can thrive long after Christmas with proper care. One aspect of their care involves protecting them from pests through the use of insecticides.
Poinsettias may occasionally be attacked by aphids or thrips, and a natural insecticide like pyrethrum will control these infestations. In pots, fungus gnats (small black flies) in the potting mix may cause root damage. An organic insecticide applied to the soil may solve the problem. If the insecticide doesn't work, you can re-pot the plant into fresh premium-quality potting mix from a newly purchased bag.
It is important to note that poinsettias are sensitive to chemicals, and not all insecticides are safe for use on them. When using any insecticide, always read and follow the label instructions carefully. Some insecticides may be too strong and can damage the plant, so it is recommended to opt for natural or organic alternatives. Additionally, always wear gloves and wash your hands after treating your poinsettia with any substance, as the plant's white sap can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
To prevent pest problems, it is crucial to provide proper care for your poinsettia. Ensure the plant receives sufficient sunlight, maintain moist soil, and provide adequate fertiliser. By following these care instructions, you can reduce the risk of pest infestations and promote the overall health of your poinsettia.
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Frequently asked questions
Water your poinsettia at least once a week in the warmer months, and in the case of potted poinsettias, water them when the soil is dry. Reduce the frequency as the weather cools, but don't let the soil dry out completely.
Place your poinsettia in a spot that receives full sun to half shade, and is sheltered from strong winds. Poinsettias need at least six hours of indirect sunlight per day to thrive.
Poinsettias prefer well-drained soil enriched with compost and aged animal manure to encourage healthy growth. Always use a premium-quality potting mix when growing poinsettias in a pot.
After your poinsettia has finished flowering, give it a hard prune to ensure it retains a bushy appearance and give it the best chance of flowering again. Once new growth appears, you can add slow-release fertiliser and repot the plant into a larger container.
Poinsettias may occasionally be attacked by aphids or thrips. Apply a natural insecticide like pyrethrum to control these pests. If you notice fungus gnats (small black flies) in the potting mix, try using an organic insecticide, and if that doesn't work, repot the plant into fresh premium-quality potting mix.
