Poinsettias are a loved Christmas plant that can be kept for years if they are taken care of properly. One important thing that will help poinsettias bloom again is long nights, which means that each night for about 8 to 10 weeks before Christmas, it will be dark. This makes the plant think winter is coming, which makes it make more colorful bracts. Do you still need to water the plant every day, though, since it’s dark so much? 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
To be exact, poinsettias need about 12 to 14 hours of darkness every night for 6 to 8 weeks in the fall in order to bloom. Even a short exposure to light during their dark period can stop or delay flowering. The key is how long and how consistently the dark periods are.
Continuing To Water In The Dark
If you put your poinsettia in a closet or box for the night, you should keep watering it 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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After you water the plant, make sure there is no water left in the saucer under the pot.
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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!
Do We Need to Water Poinsettias when They Are in the Dark?
When a Poinsettia- or any plant- is kept in the dark, the plant will respire less and have less need for moisture. Consider lowering their watering frequency a little — but not too much!.
How Often to Water Poinsettia Indoors & Outside
Poinsettia water requirements are typically quite easy to fulfill. If you want to water Poinsettias inside, try to do it every 7–10 days, depending on how humid the room is.
Keep in mind, however, that outdoor Poinsettias can be trickier in care. If you want to know how often to water your Poinsettia, look at its soil. If the soil feels dry, give your plant a drink.
Keep a watchful eye on them in dry climates, but always avoid overwatering at all costs. Your greenie will not appreciate soggy soil and might even decay beyond saving!.
The Secret to Keeping Your Poinsettia Alive ALL YEAR
FAQ
How long do you leave a poinsettia in the dark?
Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) need to be in complete darkness for 14 hours a day, beginning about eight weeks before you want to put them on display.
Do I water my poinsettia when it’s in the dark?
Do we need to water poinsettias when they are in the dark? If you keep a poinsettia or any other plant in the dark, it will breathe less and need less water. Consider lowering their watering frequency a little — but not too much!.
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