\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Pinched shoots can be used for propagation. When cutting back, its important to leave some of the stems intact so that the plant can still produce flowers. 904 491-7340 or 904 879-1019. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Using sterilized pruning shears, cut the branches of your poinsettia plant back. Water your poinsettia when the surface of the soil is dry to the touch. Generally, its best to cut poinsettias back to about one-third of their original size. Remembering the "A" months is a helpful tip, April and August. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Keep the soil from getting soggy. Watch your poinsettia for insects and disease. The best time to prune a poinsettia is in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. We are eager to help you take care of your plants so check out the plant clinic dates and times listed on the Nassau County Extension website. If you have any pots outdoors, make sure you bring them inside at the end of the summer before overnight temperatures fall below 60F. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. Remove dead or damaged leaves and stems. The sap can also damage the plant itself if left on the stems or leaves for too long. Poinsettias were previously believed to be poisonous and even toxic, but according to the University of Florida Extension Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, recent studies have disproved that theory. Assuming you're cool with that, as soon as the poinsettia drops its green leaves, here's what you should do: Cut it back to 4- to 6-inches tall and move it to a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Also, make sure to keep your poinsettia away from artificial light sources at night during the fall, as this can delay or completely prevent flowering. Place the poinsettia near a sunny window or in a bright, well-ventilated spot for best results. What variety do you recommend? Fertilize your poinsettia once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Last Updated: May 6, 2021 In this case, 91% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Andi Xoch is a Plant Specialist and the Owner of Latinx with Plants, a plant shop and resource based in Los Angeles, California. Easy DIY Christmas gifts here we come! This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Provide bright light. % of people told us that this article helped them. This is especially important if you put your poinsettia inside a larger decorative container (known as a cachepot) that doesn't have drainage holes. Web. Did you know you can get premium answers for this article? Make sure to use a sharp pair of garden scissors or a pruning shears to make the cleanest cut possible. Plants with solid red bracts are the most popular during the holiday season, but you can find plenty of other fun colors this season, including pink, white, orange, yellow, and even purple. Are there any risks associated with cutting back a poinsettia? Until about ten years ago, poinsettia bracts dropped off the plant if it was kept indoors for more than a few days. Using clean shears keeps bacteria from getting into the plant, so you may have to. Growing poinsettias is a yearlong process that requires keeping to a pretty rigid schedule. Andi has grown her business from a pop-up shop at home to two brick-and-mortar plant shops. To get the most out of cutting back your poinsettia, its important to follow these steps: By following these steps, gardeners can enjoy the many benefits of cutting back their poinsettia. The gardening center or store where you purchase your poinsettia should be able to provide you with some form of protective covering for your trip home.