Poinsettia

[mintymow]

Hi my Poinsettia although mostly void of leaves and loosing its bracts is sending out new leaves. I've not had this happen before so don't know what to expect, is the plant actually going to thrive or is it just wishful thinking on my part. Do I just keep on looking after it as I have. Help.

[Old_Geezer]

I think it common. One has to be good with plants to get it to look as colourful as the commercial sellers do for Xmas. All to do with keeping things in the dark or light or something. No reason why. with care, it shouldn't survive though. I think you might want to change its position / conditions.

[roopower]

I'm sure if you googled you could find some advice somewhere. I have a feeling it's very difficult to get the leaves to go red, it doesn't just happen. As Old_Geezer says it's something to do with keeping the plant in the dark.

[hammerman]

Not the easiest things to grow on but not impossible with a little care. Cut it back by 2/3 (being careful of the sap) and put it on a bright window sil away from cold draughts or warm radiators. Keep i on he dry side but don't let it dry out completely...don't over water either.

In April, pot it on into the next size pot. Don't go too big and still watch the watering. Keep it sprayed over to maintain humidity...once or twice a day is ok. In summer, a weekly liquid feed is good.

In autumn, to get the colour on the leaves, you will need to reduce the daylength by puting it in a dark cupboard for 14 hours a day.

Is it worth it? Probably not but it's a bit of fun. Poinsettias are tropical plants....i've seen them growing like weeds by he roadside in Barbados !!!