Pretty Poinsettias

I am frequently asked for preferred plants to add to indoor décor. Poinsettia is definitely growing to be one of my favored ones. Though it is not one of the ‘hardy’ plants that beginner gardeners should look for, amateur ones should give it a try.

Ponsettias definitely add color and drama to the indoor décor – they are light weight, small plants which are easy to alternate between drawing room and balcony… Lately, newer colors are becoming available in the market, which are good for creating variety in the garden.

Tip for décor

A lone Ponsettia doesn’t create much of an impact, its best to line it up in a group of 3-4.

Buying a poinsettia

Look for dark green leaves and a healthy shine.

Look for multiple shoots to yield heavy flowering

Stoopy leaves and bracts must be avoided  

Care for your ponsettias

• Soil:- The usual well-drained moist soil works well. Do not let the container dry out completely
• Moving around:- Be careful with the stem as it is rather brittle and difficult to grow back easily.
• Flowering:- Poinsettias required some bit of effort to flower. Post monsoon (around late September till mid-November), give the plants at least 12 hours of complete darkness – and 12 hours of bright sun.
• Propagation:- They are difficult to propagate, and in my experience, stem cuttings don’t really work. Best way would be to buy them directly from nurseries and maintain them well.
• Avoid:- Ponsettias generally don’t do well in strong sun and frost. So, a shady balcony during summers and a sunny location during winters is a good bet.
• Others:- Pointing multiple poinsettia in the same pot is not a good idea. Also, if you are looking for perennial plants but do not want to care for it, poinsettias are not the ones for you.