If that’s your experience, it’s time you learned about growing poinsettia plants outside. Ventilation is important, but keep the plant away from drafts. Cultivation notes. The common poinsettia, though it's not obvious at first glance, is part of the euphorbia family, which includes treelike succulents, shrubs and herbaceous perennials. If your poinsettia becomes root bound, you can repot it into a larger container. Many Americans only see poinsettia plants when they are wrapped in tinsel on the holiday table. Some stores sell poinsettias in cellophane cones that … Many Americans only see poinsettia plants when they are wrapped in tinsel on the holiday table. It may not flower there but will provide a great looking foliage plant all summer long. A: Yes. In May after all danger of frost is gone, put the poinsettia outside. They need a minimum temperature of 13-15°C (55-59°F). Do Poinsettias Need Sunlight 10. Learn How to Use It in Your Garden, How to Hand-Pollinate Your Pumpkin Plants, How to Identify, Prevent, and Treat Scab in Stone Fruits, How to Grow China Aster for Color in the Late Summer Garden, How to Regrow Pineapple from Kitchen Scraps, 25 of the Best Early Spring Blooming Flowers. Water your potted poinsettia when the soil starts getting dry and place it in a sunny location in your home, protected from air currents. For this reason, only grow the plant outdoors in summer and make sure it is back inside before any chance of cold appears. Can you keep poinsettias outside? Once all of the leaves have died back, prune the bushes back to two buds and keep it in a bright location. Give them enough sun, warmth, and water and your poinsettia will provide perfect seasonal color. You can start planting poinsettia outdoors after all chance of frost has passed. Mulching over the plant’s roots during the cold months will also help ensure that it stays alive, even if the stems get bitten by a cold snap. Be sure it drains well to avoid root rot. If you live in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12, you can begin planting poinsettia outdoors. Whether indoors or out, keep your poinsettia at a nice comfortable temperature above 50°F, and your plant will remain cozy and bright. If that’s your experience, it’s time you learned about growing poinsettia plants outside. Poinsettias can not live outside where the temperatures drop below 45 degrees and they can not tolerate frost. Around mid-July, pinch each stem back, leaving three to four leaves on each stem. Caring for outdoor poinsettia plants is not very time consuming or intricate. Kristina Hicks-Hamblin lives on a dryland permaculture homestead in the high desert of Utah. Originally from the temperate suburbs of North Carolina, she enjoys discovering ways to meet a climate challenge. TF20C558. Kristina considers it a point of pride that she spends more money on seeds each year than she does on clothes. Poinsettia plants outdoors must have a sunny corner to call home, somewhere protected from harsh winds that can damage them quickly. Fluorescent light will work if you live in an area that doesn’t get much light or if you live in an apartment without a garden. Many Americans only see poinsettia plants when they are wrapped in tinsel on the holiday table. Check out this article about USDA Hardiness Zones and how they have changed over the years to learn more. Be careful when transporting poinsettias from the shop to your home in the winter, as the cold outdoor temperatures can damage the foliage. During cold weather, keep it in a cool room with indirect sunlight. Yes, absolutely. Ideal … Poinsettias, Euphorbia pulcherrima, are gorgeous plants to have around during the holidays. As far as the Christmas flower is concerned, warmer isn’t necessarily better. See our guide to learn more about growing poinsettia in the landscape. Because poinsettias are members of the rubber tree family, people allergic to latex are often allergic to them, as well. By then, they look fairly scraggly, but moving them outside on a covered porch, they begin to grow new leaves and start to look good again. Come late May you can plant your poinsettia in the garden in a sunny position, in well-drained soil. Poinsettias can stay attractive for months. We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. Hydrating Your Landscape: Which Irrigation Method Is Best for You and Your Plants? The plant will begin to grow back. See our TOS for more details. Kristina loves the challenges of dryland gardening and teaching others to use climate compatible gardening techniques, and she strives towards creating gardens where there are as many birds and bees as there are edibles. I have 2 poinsettias that I’ve been able to keep alive and blooming for 3 years. If you want to save your poinsettia and bring it to bloom again next year, you can follow the repotting and reblooming procedure. Temperature The ideal inside temperature to keep poinsettias healthy is between 65 and 70 degrees F during the day and around 60 degrees F at night. These plants also don’t enjoy dramatic temperature fluctuations. And how? Poinsettia Care Tips. When you start planting poinsettia outdoors, you’ll have to find a location with similar attributes. On the other hand, if you live somewhere where winters are mild, you might think of poinsettias as an outdoor option – they are considered hardy in Zones 9-11. One of the most common Christmas plants is the poinsettia. While a plant that has dropped its leaves after limited exposure to such cold temperatures may recover, extended exposure to temperatures below 50°F can kill poinsettias outright, leaving them no hope of recuperating. At this range, the cold hardiness of poinsettias is below its tolerant point and leaves will drop. Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) originate in Mexico and thrive in the heat. Poinsettias do best in full fall sun and the bracts (colored leaves below the flowers) obtain their deepest color in good light. This range includes coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest, large swaths of California, southern Texas, and some areas of the Gulf Coast, as well as parts of the southeast. Sign up for our newsletter. In their native Latin American habitat, they don’t experience freezing temperatures. If your outdoor poinsettias are in pots or planters rather than in the ground, keep an eye on the weather during cold spells and be prepared to bring them indoors if temperatures are forecast to fall below 50°F. Choosing the Container Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Yes. You can plant it outdoors this spring after the threat of freezing temperatures has passed Plant it in a protected area with some sun and good drainage. Poinsettias can not live outside where the temperatures drop below 45 degrees and they can not tolerate frost. You can keep your poinsettia healthy and vigorous throughout the holiday season with the right care. Have you cared for these colorful beauties in chilly temperatures or lost one to cold weather? Before you situate your Christmas star whether that is indoors or part of your outdoor decor, it’s a good idea to make certain your winter conditions are a good match for this plant’s needs. DON’T Forget to Protect the Plant in the Car. You can also grow them outdoors in your garden if you live in a frost-free area. Pinching back the tips of new growth creates a bushier plant, but the bracts themselves are smaller. You can keep poinsettias outside in containers or plant in beds as many resorts do this time of year, but make sure they are protected against … How to Transplant a Poinsettia. Native to tropical parts of Mexico and Central America, poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are showy perennials that are hardy in zones 9 to 11, and they’re surprisingly easy to grow. Even in Zones 9-11, temperatures still sometimes fall below poinsettia’s lower comfort limit of 50°F. Also try to keep the temperature between 65 and 70 degrees during the day, keeping in mind that the area around a drafty window can be quite a bit cooler than the rest of the room. If it’s your potted holiday plant that makes you ask about planting poinsettia outdoors, you have to start treating the plant well from the moment it arrives. And to learn more about these vibrant holiday plants, check out these other poinsettia articles next: © Ask the Experts, LLC. And to keep them healthy, happy, and colorful for as long as possible, it’s important to prevent them from getting too cold. Yes, they are a major staple when it comes to the holiday season, but with a little TLC, your poinsettias can look gorgeous all year-round. If you live in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones … Can poinsettias grow outdoors? Then, as the weather warms up, trim the fading bracts — the colorful adapted leaves that we often consider the flower. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Just be sure that cold temperatures in your area don’t drop below 45 degrees F. (7 C.). Can I Plant My Poinsettia Outside 11. Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) originate in Mexico and thrive in the heat. How to Plant Poinsettias in a Warm Climate. Repotting is a good idea for the poinsettia especially. Poinsettias grow best in well-lit areas, but direct sun or hot lights can dry out the plants. If you opt to use water soluble fertilizer, add it to the watering can every other week. In the right climate and with the right planting location and care, these bright Christmas favorites can shoot up to 10-foot (3 m.) shrubs in rapid order. Poinsettia plant can thrive outside with a wide range of temperatures from 23-104 F (-5 to 40 C), without affecting the flowering. Or maybe you’re wondering if you can put one of these gorgeous winter bloomers beside your front door during the winter months as part of your festive holiday decor. (coming soon!). In June, prune the poinsettia again and continue fertilizing and watering lightly through the end of the summer. There are a few reasons you may want to learn about this plant’s cold tolerance. A holiday gift of a poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is almost a certainty. Can Poinsettias Live Outside In The Summer 7. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. In March, cut the plant back (it’s okay for your poinsettia to even be leafless). Once temperatures are warm outside, they can be placed there during the summer months. They can be especially hazardous for infants, toddlers and pets. This makes your poinsettia nicely branched and bushy, and also creates lots of blooms. If you want to go the extra mile, you can take a few extra steps to ensure your plant flowers again in time for the next Christmas. Ready to learn more? Just a few tips. Once you see green shoots in spring, start a regular watering and feeding program. Water your poinsettia when the surface of the soil is dry to the touch. This range includes coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest, large swaths of California, southern Texas, and some areas of the Gulf Coast, as well as parts of the southeast. Poinsettia plants like it on the warmer (not hot) side during … Poinsettias need bright, but filtered light, away from strong sun and draughts. If that’s your experience, it’s time you learned about growing poinsettia plants outside. Alternatively, use slow release pellets in spring. How To Grow Poinsettias From Cuttings 12. As mentioned, the ideal temperature range for them to thrive is 65-70°F without any drastic swings. Don’t transplant poinsettia plants outdoors right after Christmas. Also make sure to avoid placing these winter bloomers close to entrances and exits, where repeated exposure to frosty blasts of cold air as doors open and close may get the better of them. GARDENER'S PATH® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Bring your poinsettias in when the temperature drops in the fall. Answer: Both the Christmas cactus and the poinsettia are not hardy outdoors and will freeze if planted outside. If you aren’t sure what zone you’re in, you can type your zip code into the interactive USDA growing zone map from the USDA Agricultural Research Service to find out. Can Poinsettias Live Outside In The Summer 7. Here’s what I’ll cover: Originating in the tropical forests of Mexico and Guatemala, poinsettias are happiest when temperatures are mild, in a nice comfortable range of between 65-70°F. On the other hand, if you live somewhere where winters are mild, you might think of poinsettias as an outdoor option – they are considered hardy in Zones 9-11. So if you are trying to find the best location for your Christmas star indoors, make sure to avoid drafty locations, such as next to cool windows that lower the temperature of the air. They can grow up to 8-10 feet tall but without regular pruning they will become leggy and week. Keep the soil from getting soggy. I live in western Montana so they stay inside in a southern window until about late June, early July. Then follow the directions below for getting your poinsettia to rebloom. Poinsettias require around six hours of light per day. But it's tricky to get them to re-bloom — that is, unless you live in a subtropical area. When it's cold, place the plant indoors. Share your story with us and our other readers in the comments section below. COPYRIGHT © 2021 ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Grow Common Sage, a Mediterranean Culinary Staple. To compensate for this, you may need to find a microclimate in your landscape, a spot that is warmer than others, such as in front of a south facing wall, to improve your Christmas star’s chances of surviving out in the elements. This is usually done during the summer months. Can You Use Ice Cubes To Water Poinsettias 9. When kept as houseplants, you will also want to avoid locating them next to areas that heat up dramatically, such as very close to fireplaces or other heat sources. Some of these links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased. Make sure you let the soil dry before watering it again, since poinsettias don’t need as much water during colder weather. How Much Water Does A Poinsettia Need 6. Prevent this by regular trimming. Perhaps you’re considering whether you might save your plant after the holidays and keep it as a houseplant or plant it in your outdoor landscape, climate permitting. and when it blooms, you can transplant it to your garden. Treat poinsettias as houseplants throughout the winter, making sure not to overwater them. You can keep it outdoors in the balcony garden in the summer if sheltered from intense light and winds. 5. In late September, begin the two-month darkness cycle. Maybe, like me, you live in a drafty old house, and you want to make sure you’ll be able to find a location to keep your Christmas flower from getting chilled. Then you can transplant them to your garden in January, and let the natural changes in daylight trigger their color later in the year. Ideal room temperature is between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but keep temperature above 50 degrees, as poinsettias are sensitive to cold. Watering Poinsettias With Ice Cubes 8. Read on to get our best poinsettia care tips! A bit of temperature fluctuation is best. Although poinsettias are beautiful plants, they are one of the most difficult potted plants to keep indoors. Poinsettias, Euphorbia pulcherrima, are gorgeous plants to have around during the holidays. There is no reason why you can't grow poinsettias outdoors as landscape plants in warm climates like Florida. Here is more about what we do. But that may not be an option in the Snow Belt, he said. If you live in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12, you can begin planting poinsettia … For more information about poinsettia plants outdoors, read on. When you are growing poinsettia plants outside, choose a spot with slightly acidic, well-draining soil. She is a Certified Permaculture Designer and a Building Biology Environmental Consultant, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Poinsettia plants outdoors tend to grow tall and leggy. During warm weather, you can keep your poinsettia outdoors in the shade, but you’ll need to bring it inside for the fall and winter. Can Poinsettias Be Outside In The Cold 13. You can also move your poinsettia outside for the summer months. They can grow up to 8-10 feet tall but without regular pruning they will become leggy and week. 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It comes as a hostess gift, a … Drafts, as well as low temperatures, waterlogged soil, and drought, can cause the lower leaves of the poinsettia to turn yellow and fall from the plant. They should remain in their pots and not be planted outdoors in the garden if you live where it freezes in the winter. Breathing allergens from poinsettias can cause respiratory distress and touching them can cause rashes. Before you locate your Christmas flower outdoors or place it on your porch, make sure to double check your hardiness zone. If there are frequent frosts in your area or snow, the Poinsettia thrives if you protect the roots by mixing wood bark with the soil. But even cold weather above freezing can harm Christmas flowers – they will begin to drop their leaves when temperatures fall to 50°F. Tips for Growing Brussels Sprouts in Winter, Bone Meal: Friend or Foe? Place a saucer under the pot, and drain the saucer if water starts to collect in it. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. 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