If you want to keep that poinsettia, here's what you need to do.Just in time for Christmas!
Step 1: Most plants won't show bugs in the greenhouse, but they will show up after about two weeks.
If the plant is sick, it is best to throw it out and buy another.
Step 2: If you want to keep that plant, you should apply soapy water to the plant and the soil.
Mealy bugs can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.If the infection gets too large, you may never kill them all.
Step 3: If you want to cut back on watering, place the plant in a cool room with curtain filters on the sun.
The plant should be allowed to go dry to the touch between watering and being watered, as over- watering is the leading cause of plant death in the winter months inside.The plant can be moved outside when the temperature is above 10 C.
Step 4: Pick out the plant you want for Christmas.
The entire plant should be trimmed about an inch above the main trunk if you want a small bushy plant.If you want a bigger plant, pinch the tops of the main branches until July.If you want a topiary, remove all of the branches except for the tallest, straightest main branch and don't pinch the plant on the top, just remove the side shoots.
Step 5: Set the plant in the shade.
Doing this will cause the leaves to fall off and possibly kill the plant.Place the plant in full shade for two weeks and then move it out of the shade and into the sun for the rest of season.The plant will be able to get used to the new conditions outside.
Step 6: Start watering more often.
Fertilize every fifth watering or every two weeks with a house plant fertilization.If you want to promote leaf growth at this point in time, you can try a diluting evergreenfertilizer.
Step 7: When it is time to bring the plant in for fall, start the process of turning the leaves red.
Depending on the conditions and the variety of plant you have, this process can take up to 2 months.If you want to reduce by half, switch from a nitrogen based fertilization to an even houseplant fertilization.Begin the routine of long nights/ short days needed to start buds: 13 hours of darkness and 11 hours a day of sunshine.The temperature at night should be in the low 60's.For even light, turn pot frequently.Light from a street lamp or headlights from passing cars are enough to disrupt bud formation.After about 2 months of darkness, place the plant in the sunniest window.Don't over water!
Step 8: When possible, grow outside.
Poinsettias can be grown outside if they get partial shade in the afternoon.Their growth may slow if it gets too hot and dry.
Step 9: Understand the plant's appearance.
You will never see that "store bought" look again.If you want some "store bought" looking plants, you have to take them from your plants in late April.Poinsettias seem to root well in compost, which is made from yard waste like grass clippings.
Step 10: The timing of the flowering is something that should be focused on.
Depending on when you want the poinsettia to be fully flowering and how you intend to care for them after flowering, you can start flowering them at any time.If you want them to bloom by Thanksgiving, start on October 1st and Halloween.Light timing is needed to keep them flowering throughout the season.
Step 11: Plants can be placed in a dark room, closet or cabinet.
For most of the time, choose a spot that is lightproof.
Step 12: Warm white fluorescent tubes are great for this.
It's necessary to use "warm white" as opposed to regular grow lights because the plant needs the extra red light; this, plus the timing, will ensure flowering.Make sure you have enough light.It won't be enough for two or more plants.One 26 watt CFL is enough to cut about 1 and 1/2 feet above them.They will grow fast if you adjust the height.HPS lights can be used as well.Local law enforcement might think you are flowering another Mexican plant with the same light cycle, so be careful with HPS lights.HPS light use signatures to help track illegal botanists.
Step 13: The timing should be set.
It's best to set the timing.Standard banking hours are 9am to 5pm.When the lights are off, disturb the plants.14 hours of darkness is enough, but 16 hours works every time.
Step 14: Look for indicators.
rusting out is the first sign they have begun to flower.They think it's fall when the top leavesrust out.The plant should be left under the light until it flowers.If you want to display the plant on the day of the holiday, you can leave it in the makeshift nursery the whole season.Even the plants you buy this year would benefit and be a good plant to cut from next year, so put them in the nursery.
Step 15: The plant needs more than 10 hours of light a day.
After the season is over, this will keep it flowering.It's a good idea to keep the plant watered, keep it away from whiteflies, and give it plenty of light during the day.The plant can flower past Mother's Day.Put the plant under light with 24 hours to get it to vegetate.Some plants will still have flower buds when you put them outside for the summer.