Q&A for How to Revive a Dying Poinsettia

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  • Question
    I think I drowned my poinsettia. It had bright green leaves, now the stems look like twigs. Is this beyond help?
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
    Professional Gardener
    Expert Answer
    Your poinsettia could be dormant or it could have dropped its leaves for reasons such as over watering or being housed near a draft. Continue watering your plant and keep it in a bright room to see if leaves will grow back. After a few months if there is no sign of growth your plant is likely dead.
  • Question
    Can I put it in a green house?
    Community Answer
    Yes! It does fine in a heated greenhouse. Don't let it get below 42° & have a sunscreen cover to filter direct sun.
  • Question
    I found this poinsettia in the trash and the branches are broken. How can I fix the plant?
    Community Answer
    Trim the broken ones back to an 1/8 inch above a good bud or branch, then water it once or twice a week.
  • Question
    I found green bulbs growing from my flower on the poinsettia. Will they grow a new plant?
    Community Answer
    Yes they will.
  • Question
    My poinsettia dried out over the weekend, can I revive it?
    Community Answer
    It depends if it over dried and the plant actually died. If there is some life in it however, watering it will help revive it.
  • Question
    Our poinsettia looks completely dead. How do I revive it?
    Community Answer
    Water it a little more every day, and plant a few extra seeds in with the flowers so it will receive nutrients.
  • Question
    Can newly planted poinsettias survive a frost?
    Community Answer
    No.
  • Question
    What do I do if the stem turns brown?
    CurtM
    Community Answer
    Make sure the plant is getting 3/4 a cup (180 mL) of water every day and keep it in an environment that's between 65°F and 75°F (18–24 °C). If it's fall or winter, you can also try feeding it a small amount of water-soluble organic fertilizer every 3-4 weeks to return it to health.
  • Question
    What makes the tips of the poinsettia's leaves turn black?
    Community Answer
    This could be alternaria leaf spot, in which case you should take measures to prevent it from spreading. Prune it, then spray it with fungicidal spray.
  • Question
    How can I revive my poinsettia? It is all wilted after being left in a hot car for a few hours.
    Community Answer
    You have to replant it quickly! Any later than a day and it will die. Keep it in a cool place and give it plenty of water.
  • Question
    What do I do if my poinsettia plants are droopy, but don't need water?
    CurtM
    Community Answer
    Drooping can actually be a sign of overwatering. Stick a finger in the soil to make sure that it's moist, but not overly saturated. Also keep in mind that some drooping may be normal while the plant recovers and prepares to flower once again.
  • Question
    Does my plant have a chance to survive if it was left outside in the cold for a few days?
    CurtM
    Community Answer
    It's possible, but not likely. Poinsettias don't take well to cold environments. Bring your plant inside as soon as you can and keep it at a constant temperature of 65–75 °F (18–24 °C). Situate it someplace where it won't get caught in a draft or cold spot (like beside your front door or in front of a poorly insulated window).
  • Question
    Can a broken flower stem be put in water to save the flower?
    CurtM
    Community Answer
    Yes. To make fresh flowers last longer, try waving a lighter flame over the cut or broken end of the stem. This seals the tiny pores in the stem, preventing the flower from losing anymore moisture.
  • Question
    I watered my poinsettia heavily. Will the curled leaves open again?
    CurtM
    Community Answer
    With regular watering, pruning, and indirect sunlight, probably. Be careful not to overwater the plant, however, as this can actually do more harm than good. If the leaves look rubbery or wilted, there's a chance the plant is taking in an excessive amount of moisture.
  • Question
    Why don't the leaves turn red on my poinsettia? Is it dying?
    CurtM
    Community Answer
    Not necessarily. A poinsettia that's flowering for the second or third time may not ever regain it's original coloration. Covering the foliage and keeping the plant in total darkness during fall and early winter will help improve its chances, though.
  • Question
    When is it too late to cut back my poinsettia plant?
    Community Answer
    It is too late to use this as a remedy when all the leaves and stems have rot. If, however, you have seeds, then plant them immediately after you have removed the unwanted roots and leaves.
  • Question
    Why are the leaves on my poinsettia are going brown on the edges?
    Community Answer
    Maybe you have not been watering the amount needed. Be sure to water them to about 3/4 of a cup every day and keep them in sunny spot in your house.
  • Question
    My poinsettia was kept inside and remained beautifully green through summer. After the alternate light and dark regimen, I see some of the green leaves beginning to turn red. What should I expect now?
    Lion King
    Community Answer
    The plant's leaves will provide the color changes through a process called photoperiodism. This process, in response to certain amounts of light or lack thereof, will turn the leaves from green to red (or pink, white, and other shade variations).
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