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How To Keep Your Poinsettia Alive After Christmas

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Poinsettia

Poinsettia

Barbara Whiting
If your received or purchased a poinsettia during the holiday season, you can keep it alive year round as a lush, green houseplant.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Indefinite

Here's How:

  1. Using a good potting soil, transplant your poinsettia into a pot slightly larger than the container it came in. I used a plain, inexpensive plastic pot and placed that into a decorative wicker planter.
  2. Add plant food spikes to the pot according to the package directions.
  3. Set the plant away from drafts and in a well-lit location, preferably by a sunny, southern window.
  4. Water your poinsettia about once a week. Do not overwater. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. I water mine slightly less in the winter months.
  5. If your poinsettia starts to drop leaves rapidly, try moving it to a different location.

Tips:

  1. When repotting the poinsettia, try to keep the potting soil at the same level as it was in the original container.
  2. Plant food spikes, made specifically for indoor houseplants, can be found at most grocery stores or nurseries.
  3. Unless you are very daring, don't try to get your poinsettia to reflower. This kills most plants. Just enjoy the green plant.

What You Need:

  • Poinsettia Plant
  • Potting Soil
  • Plant Food Spikes
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