However, it is actually a perennial, and with a bit of basic care, can easily be kept year after year. Because poinsettias are actually perennial plants, it is possible to keep them all year. Myths and rumors about the toxicity of the poinsettia plant are common late in the year, when the popular red-leaved plants take center stage in holiday decorations. Instead, Edwards abides by the advice of writer Rena Presley, whose 1992 magazine posting entitled “The Perennial Christmas Poinsettia,” was sent to her via her sister-in-law. Poinsettia's botanical name, Euphorbia … We grow roughly 50,000 Poinsettias each year and have them available during November and December. This simple insect activity among the poinsettia's true flowers allows the plant to create seeds for future planting. But what is the actual cold hardiness of poinsettias? As can keeping these gorgeous perennial plants alive through late winter, spring and summer to use again next year. Some gardeners are not satisfied with this long season of indoor beauty and attempt to save the plants to re-bloom the following winter. One population in the Mexican state of Guerrero is much further inland, however, and is thought to be the ancestor of most cultivated populations. Over-watering causes the most issues for poinsettia plants. Jan 3, 2019 - How to Trim Poinsettias. Ha… I don’t even get one anymore. Poinsettias are perennial plants, and if provided with the appropriate growing environment and regular care, they can live quite a long time, and if they are given enough room, they can even grow into massive bushes, reaching heights of ten to 15 feet. Unfortunately, over the years, the poinsettia has gotten a bad rap of being poisonous. Many think of the poinsettia as an annual, and toss it to the curb after each holiday season. The poinsettia actually gets it top leaf color from bracts, like these white one on this gorgeous plant. But not to worry, we have you covered with today’s article! Because poinsettias prefer warmer climates in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, they have the opportunity to flower during the winter with little chance of frost damage. Looking after a poinsettia. Author: Extension Horticulture Specialist, Agricultural Science Center at Los Lunas, New Mexico State University. Writing professionally since 2010, Amy Rodriguez cultivates successful cacti, succulents, bulbs, carnivorous plants and orchids at home. And that all begins with knowing a little about the plant, and it’s blooming cycle. Poinsettia plants are native to Mexico, where they can grow up to 16 feet (4.9 m) tall. Popular Christmas plants—such as poinsettia, Christmas cactus, and amaryllis—add festive cheer to any home.Let’s talk about how to care for these festive flowers to keep them blooming over the holiday season and well into the new year! In fact, if allowed to grow freely, these plants can reach the size .… Maintaining naturally dark lighting allows the plant to flourish with its normal flowering. I guess that would be perennial. The flower was later adopted by Christians as the prized flower of Christmas Eve. Poinsettia plants (Euphorbia pulcherrima) remain one of the most popular holiday flowers. To rebloom, poinsettias need about 10 weeks with 12 hours or less of sunlight per day. However, if you place your poinsettia near a porch light, or other nighttime fixture, this dark period becomes disrupted. 4 comments to Is Your Poinsettia an Annual or Perennial? Compelling poinsettias to bloom after their first year takes effort, but it is possible. Allow your plants to dry out completely between waterings. Poinsettias are the most popular of the holiday plants. Poinsettias prefer room-temperature water, and smaller pots need watering more often than big ones because they dry out faster. Poinsettias are the most popular of the holiday plants. Although not as common as Christmas trees, poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) decorate homes both indoors and outdoors during the winter season -- but they actually grow into 10-foot-tall bushes if grown directly in the garden. One thing is for sure, keeping plants alive is a much better option than having to repurchase them every single year! Poinsettias are known for their red and green foliage that is a response to the short days and long nights of fall and winter respectively. How To Keep Poinsettia Plants Beautiful – Before & After Christmas. If you would like to grow your own poinsettia from seeds, it is possible to use seeds developed from an established plant, especially if it is planted in your garden with healthy and vigorous growth. As fall arrives, it is time to start preparing your poinsettia for holiday blooming! Approximate sizes of poinsettias offered for sale each holiday season. Animals Affected Commercially available Poinsettias are not poisonous to dogs and cats or people. This article may contain affiliate links. Wild poinsettia populations are highly fragmented, as their habitat is experiencing largely unregulated deforestation. The Latin name for poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima, means ‘most beautiful’. Technically, poinsettias are perennial, but they require some care in order to come back each year. As with over-watering, under-watering will cause a plant to lose it bracts and color prematurely as well. They are often disposed of once they start to fade, but with a little care, you can keep them all year and the bracts will colour up again the following year. Fertilize at each of these points with a balanced, all-purpose organic fertilizer to provide strength to the plant. Poinsettia plants should be watered thoroughly, taking care not to drown them by ensuring adequate drainage is available. 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