Place the pot on a pebble tray, as a humid atmosphere will prolong the bract life.
Kenneth Freeman, head of innovation at indoor landscaping company Ambius, says to never get rid of a wilting poinsettia without trying to rescue it. "Whilst wilted poinsettias may have their life span reduced, soaking the root ball with warm water will often cause severely wilted poinsettias to revive," he says. Revival should occur within one hour, so don't throw away your plants until you have tried this."
Trying to keep the plant from year to year is usually disappointing as it is difficult to provide optimum growing conditions. However, you can give it a try, as follows:
- In March, gradually reduce watering. Prune hard back once the plant drops its leaves and keep fairly dry.
- In early May, increase watering. Re-pot when new shoots start to develop.
- Once established, feed weekly with a balanced liquid fertiliser.
- As the days shorten, from October 10 to 20, allow the plants to have 12 hours of light each day. For the remaining 12 hours, they need to be kept in darkness at a minimum temperature of 65F (18C). Artificial light is acceptable to supplement daylight.
With this treatment, the red bracts and tiny yellow flowers should be brightening up the winter gloom from December
READ Poinsettias: inspirational arrangements for Christmas in pics
Telegraph Gardening readers can buy one Poinsettia Prestige 'Christmas Feeling' for £17.99 or buy two for £24.98 – save £11. Order by December 18 for guaranteed Christmas delivery (dates cannot be specified). Subject to availability. Available online at www.gardenshop.telegraph.co.uk/offers. Delivery to all UK addresses only.
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