Can Poinsettias Survive Outdoors? Strategies for Thriving Externally
Can Poinsettias Survive Outdoors? Strategies for Thriving Externally
In their natural habitat that's tropical, poinsettias thrive as a bush or small tree, growing outdoors. However, can poinsettias be grown outdoors in regions with a temperate climate, like North America? Due to the fluctuating temperatures in these areas, it's challenging to keep poinsettias alive outside for a year. However, with the right knowledge and monitoring of the temperature, you can grow poinsettias outside during the summer months. Here's how to achieve this:
1. Prepare for a Color Change
Winter's long nights inspire poinsettias to develop their vibrant leaves. As the days get longer and there are more daylight hours, those bright red, pink, and white leaves transform back into green. These green leaves remain throughout spring and fall, allowing poinsettias to be grown as a houseplant year-round.
Keep poinsettias in bright, indirect light coming in from an east, west, or south-facing window. Regular watering and fertilization with a houseplant fertilizer, as well as trimming the foliage to control a growing plant, should also be done.
2. Enjoy a Summer Vacation
Once the nighttime temperature consistently goes beyond 55°F, poinsettias can be moved outside for a summer vacation. Consider this as a seasonal getaway for your plant, which spends 3 to 4 months outside in a place like your patio or sunny front porch before being brought inside around Labor Day.
3. Keep it Contained
When moving your poinsettia outside during summer vacation, keep it in a container instead of planting it in the ground. The stress caused by transitioning from outdoor growing to indoor growing and back to the container in the fall can be challenging for these finicky plants. If the plant outgrows its current pot during the summer, transplant it to a slightly larger pot with high-quality potting soil.
4. Gradually Adjust to Outdoor Conditions
Before moving your poinsettia outside, gradually adapt it to outdoor light levels by initially growing it in partial shade for about three weeks. After that, move it to a spot with direct sunlight. Protect the plant from high winds, as poinsettia stems are fragile and can easily snap.
5. Water Thoroughly
The soil around outdoor-grown potted plants dries out faster than it would indoors. High temperatures and wind can dry out your poinsettia in a single day. Be prepared to water the plant daily during hot, dry spells. Make sure not to let your plant wilt between waterings.
6. Don't Forget Fertilizer
Poinsettias need plenty of nutrients to support their summer growth. Fertilize every two weeks or so with a houseplant fertilizer. Reduce the amount of fertilizer you use when bringing the plant inside in early September by diluting it to half strength.
7. Prune for a Compact Plant
Summer causes poinsettias to grow tall and spindly. To create a more manageable plant for indoor use, trim long stems by half their length. This not only makes the plant more compact but also stimulates the growth of side branches.
8. Give Your Plant a Pinch
Cutting a few inches from the top of poinsettia stems encourages leaf growth to develop along the stem below. This is known as pinching in the horticulture trade. Pinching is recommended every couple of weeks from June to August to create a bushy plant that is full of color for the holidays.
9. Watch for Temperature Changes
Keep an eye on the weather as summer transitions into fall if you grow your poinsettia outside. Poinsettias are sensitive to frost, which can cause their leaves to turn black and the stems to die. Avoid this by moving the plant inside well before the first frost, with Labor Day being a good goal date.
10. Manage Light Requirements
Poinsettias need at least 13 hours of complete darkness daily to encourage color development in their leaves. On the other 11 hours of the day, they require bright sunlight for proper growth. Initiate 13 hours of uninterrupted darkness in late September, and your plant will be ready to display vibrant, colorful leaves by Thanksgiving.
Once color appears on the leaves, 13 hours of darkness are no longer necessary. Place the plant near a bright, sunny window or under a grow light and watch as the leaves fully change color.
After enjoying their summer vacation outside, poinsettias should be brought back indoors before Labor Day to protect them from frost. During this time, you can continue caring for your houseplants by keeping them under a grow light, ensuring they receive at least 13 hours of uninterrupted darkness for color development. Additionally, gardening enthusiasts at Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) suggest trimming long stems to make poinsettias more compact and encourage side branch growth, promoting a full and beautiful plant during the holiday season.