There are many delightful things about the holiday season. The fresh baked goods, the holiday meal, festive lights, joyful music, fellowship, and worship. The décor we undertake makes the holidays brighter and more merry. Plants can be part of the decorations. Amaryllis, Christmas trees, and poinsettias are traditional additions to the holiday set up. Fresh, real plants always add life and color, especially in the drab winter season. There are often problems with our plants, though, especially when we see a poinsettia dropping leaves. If leaves are falling off poinsettia plants, there are several potential causes. Most of these are cultural and quite easy to amend.
The holidays find stores filled with goodies and things to purchase. One thing, plants, should make it into our consumer baskets too. Poinsettias are brightly colored with many variations available. The variegation, striping, speckling, and other patterns of the leaves are joined by hues of red, cream, gold, pink, and green. These natives of Central America are not winter hardy, but make perfect houseplants. Their color and patterns bring in a lively aspect to our holiday appointments. They are also relatively easy to grow, but occasionally a poinsettia is dropping leaves. It is important to find out why in order to save these holiday classics.
Why is My Poinsettia Dropping Leaves?
Even the best gardener with the most vigorous green thumb will have some difficulty with their plants. Each plant has unique cultivation requirements. Lighting, soil type, moisture levels, and heat tolerance will vary greatly by species. In the case of poinsettias, they are native to regions that see warm temperatures year-round, and rarely get severe cold. They are locally called Flor de la Noche Buena, or Flower of the Holy Night. They develop the "flowers" during winter which coincides with the holiday season. The flowers aren't really flowers, but bracts or secondary leaves. The true flowers are insignificant and tiny, not the focus of the plant. The true leaves which are normally green, and the colorful bracts comprise the plants.
What to Do If a Poinsettia is Losing Green Leaves
Poinsettias were introduced to the U.S. in the early 1800s by Joel Poinsett, Ambassador to Mexico at the time. The true leaves are generally green. They will be present year-round. As the daylight hours diminish, the plant will be encouraged to produce beautiful bracts. To do this, the plant needs exposure to shorter, winter daylight hours. It must also be in relatively warm temperatures. One reason the plant may drop leaves is exposure to temperature variations. If the plant is near a drafty door or window, it will express its displeasure by dropping leaves. Move such a plant to the home interior where it will be kept warm and not experience cool breezes or drafts. In spring, when temperatures outdoors warm up, the a poinsettia may be grown outdoors.
Poinsettia Bracts Falling Off
It is always disappointing if the "flower" part of the plant is failing. Really, this is the reason we purchase the poinsettia, for its bright color. In order to stop foliar fail, consider its water levels. Too much water is a stress for the plant, as is high humidity. It is important to remove the foil wrapper when watering the plant. Failure to do so will trap excess moisture and can cause leaf drop due to root rot. The biggest culprit is too little water. Although their native region doesn't receive very much rain, these plants do need regular moisture, especially when in containers. The moisture level should be even as measured by inserting a finger deeply into the soil. Avoid setting the plant in a saucer that will be filled with extra water. Let the plant drain freely after watering to prevent any fungal or bacterial issues.
-
Ultimate Raised Beds For Small Gardens: Try These 5 Raised Options For Compact CornersThe perfect raised beds for small gardens squeeze every bit of useful space out of the most productive corners. Here are some practical space-saving ideas you can try
-
Best Romantic Old Garden Roses To Grow For A Dreamy DisplayDiscover abundantly blooming old-fashioned garden rose varieties that will be star performers in beds, borders, trellises, and containers.
-
8 Flowering Shrubs You Must Prune Before Winter Ends For Maximum Blooms This SummerMany summer-flowering shrubs should be trimmed before winter ends, so don’t wait. Get out there on a sunny day and prune your shrubs for more flowers and healthy growth in spring and summer.
-
7 Must-Sow Flower Seeds For February To Ensure A Dazzling Summer GardenDon't let the cold weather stop you from realizing your growing ambitions. These stunning flowers can all be started indoors in winter for breathtaking results.
-
Are Poinsettias Poisonous To Cats? What You Need To Know For Happy, Healthy FelinesThey have the potential to brighten up homes long after the holidays, but are poinsettias poisonous to cats? Make sure you read this before mixing the two!
-
Are Poinsettias Poisonous To Dogs? What You Need To Know To Keep Your Pooch SafeYou may adore their richly hued tones and textures, but are poinsettias poisonous to dogs? Don’t leave it to chance – we reveal how risky they are, and how to keep pets safe
-
Christmas Cactus Watering Guide: How Often To Water Plants For Better BloomsDiscover how often to water a Christmas cactus, how much, and how to avoid under and overwatering for healthy plants that flower reliably over the holidays.
-
Should You Cut Back Roses In The Fall? – When To Prune Your Prized Shrubs For WinterDiscover whether to cut back roses before the onset of winter – or to leave plants alone until spring.
-
Propagating A Thanksgiving Cactus: How To Grow More Plants For FreeEffortlessly propagate your Thanksgiving cactus with simple stem cuttings or root division, to create healthy new plants that burst with vibrant blooms year after year.
-
How Long Do Mums Last? Plus, How To Make Chrysanthemum Flowers Last LongerChrysanthemums have the potential for enduring displays as we enter the quieter months of the year. But how long do mums last? Here’s how to maximize your fall blooms
