Poinsettias are a popular Christmas plant that can actually be kept year after year if cared for properly A key part of getting poinsettias to rebloom is giving them long nights – a period of darkness each night for about 8-10 weeks leading up to Christmas This tricks the plant into thinking winter is coming and encourages it to produce colorful bracts. But do you need to continue regular watering while the plant is spending so much time in the dark? Let’s take a look.
Why Poinsettias Need Complete Darkness
Poinsettias are photoperiodic plants, which means their flowering is triggered by the length of daylight they receive. They require long periods of uninterrupted darkness in order to bloom. This tricks them into thinking winter is approaching.
Specifically, poinsettias need about 12-14 hours of complete darkness each night for 6-8 weeks in the fall in order to bloom. Even a brief exposure to light during their dark period can delay or prevent flowering. The length and consistency of the dark periods are key.
Continuing to Water in the Dark
When you put your poinsettia into a closet or box for its daily dark period, you should continue regular watering as you normally would.
Here are some tips for watering poinsettias in the dark:
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Check the soil moisture daily by touching the top few inches of soil. Water when the soil is just slightly dry to the touch.
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Water until it runs from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures thorough watering.
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Use room temperature water, not cold water straight from the tap.
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Make sure the plant does not sit in standing water by emptying the saucer under the pot after watering.
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Maintain a consistent watering schedule. Poinsettias prefer evenly moist, but not soggy soil.
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Consider using a moisture meter to check soil moisture levels. This takes the guesswork out of watering.
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Do not let the plant wilt severely between waterings. This can cause leaf drop.
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Be extra careful not to overwater while the plant is in the dark, since you cannot see it!
Other Care Tips During the Darkness Treatment
In addition to watering, there are a few other things to keep in mind while your poinsettia is getting its required long nights:
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Keep the plant in a room with a temperature between 65-70°F. Avoid cold drafts and excessive heat.
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Fertilize the plant with a balanced houseplant fertilizer once a month up until the dark treatments begin. Do not fertilize during the critical flowering stage.
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Monitor for pests like whiteflies, spider mites, and mealybugs which can spread quickly in the dark. Remove any infected leaves immediately. Insecticidal soap can help control infestations.
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Prune the plant back by about half in spring after flowering to encourage a compact, bushy shape. This will maximize blooms for the next season.
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Repot in the spring into a pot one size larger if the roots are crowded. Use a well-draining potting mix.
When to Bring the Plant Back Into the Light
Once the flower bracts begin showing good color, you can bring the poinsettia back into normal daylight conditions. There is no need to continue the long dark periods once flowering is initiated.
Place the plant in a sunny window where it will get at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Rotate the plant periodically for even sun exposure. Keep watering the poinsettia whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry.
With the proper care, your holiday poinsettias can thrive year after year. Just be sure not to let their watering requirements slip while they are getting their critical darkness treatment in the fall. Check soil moisture daily and water thoroughly when needed. This will ensure you have a beautiful poinsettia display for the holidays!
How Much Water Do Poinsettias Need?
Poinsettias like infrequent but thorough watering. You should give it water until it begins to drain. Let the extra water drain out until the pot stops dripping, then put it back where you love it.
How to Save an Overwatered Poinsettia?
Oh no! Have you given your plant too much water? Does it look wilted, droopy, or yellow? It’s time to save the day and drain all that water. Setting the pot in the sink to drain the water or repotting with a dry mix will help spread the water around if the soil feels wet.
But if your Poinsettia has root rot, you might not be able to save it, so you should look at the plant’s overall health before you decide to repot it. Sometimes, repotting isn’t worth the trouble. But if you do decide to do it, make sure you clean the roots and give the plant new soil that it will love. A mix of perlite and peat moss that is slightly acidic will be very good for your plant.
How long do you have to keep the poinsettia in the dark?
FAQ
How do you keep poinsettias in the dark?
How often do I water a poinsettia?
Are coffee grounds good for poinsettias?
When to take poinsettia out of darkness indoors?
Should you put a poinsettia in the dark?
It might feel unnatural for you to put a plant in a dark room, but this red-leaved perennial will thank you for it. We spoke to plant experts who have revealed exactly when to put your poinsettia in the dark for longer-lasting color, and the science behind this unusual practice. Why
Do poinsettias need to be watered?
Yes, watering is still necessary during the dark phase, but reduce the frequency slightly. Keep the soil slightly moist but avoid overwatering. Never let your poinsettia sit in standing water as this could cause root rot. What are the steps to prune a poinsettia for optimal growth?
How long should a poinsettia be in darkness?
It’s important that the plant be kept in complete darkness for around 14 hours. Even small amounts of light, both natural and artificial, can prevent the poinsettia from changing colors.
When should you put a poinsettia in the dark for Christmas?
If you’re wondering when to put your poinsettia in the dark for flourishing leaves in time for Christmas, the short answer is now. That said, limiting your poinsettia’s light exposure is something that needs to be monitored since too much darkness can in fact harm the plant’s health.
How to care for a poinsettia plant?
It’s important to note that you should always use room temperature water to avoid shocking them. So plan ahead and fill your watering can beforehand. Top watering is the preferred method for a poinsettia. Always pour it over the top of the medium to avoid splashing any on the leaves.
How do you water a poinsettia plant?
Water your poinsettia whenever the soil surface feels dry to the touch. Saturate the soil completely until water runs through the container’s drainage holes, but do not let the plant sit in water. If the pot was wrapped in decorative foil, be sure to poke a few holes through the bottom to allow excess water to drain away.