Q&A for How to Prune a Poinsettia

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If I trim my poinsettia to 6-8 inches, will it harm the plant if there are no leaves left?

Greenhouse Anderson

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Choose half of the stems and cut them to 6-8 inches. When new shoots develop leaves on the cut stems, cut the other half of the stems to 6-8 inches.

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I have a green-flowered poinsettia. Is there a certain time of year when the green flowers will appear?

Greenhouse Anderson

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Yes, you received a painted or dyed poinsettia, which are striking. Your plant will likely have white flowers when it blooms for Christmas next time.

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Should I prune my four-year-old poinsettia that has become leggy and has small leaves? What type of fertilizer should I use?

Greenhouse Anderson

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You can prune your poinsettia to improve its appearance. Remove about half of the plant and wait for new leaves and branches to appear on the pruned stems before pruning the other half. Place it in a sunny window with at least four hours of direct sunlight per day. Apply houseplant fertilizer every three weeks as per label instructions. Your plant should be growing normally in a couple of months.

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Some of my poinsettia stems are hollow. What should I do?

Greenhouse Anderson

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Poinsettia stems are typically hollow naturally, so there is nothing to be concerned about.

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It's winter, and most leaves have dropped from my indoor poinsettias in a 62-degree room near a window with no sun. Should I prune now, fertilize, or do something else?

Greenhouse Anderson

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Your poinsettia may be overwatered and lacks sunlight. Move it to a sunny window to encourage new leaf growth. If no new leaves develop, consider discarding the plant.

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How often and when should I prune an outdoor poinsettia in Ocala, Florida? It is 4 ft. tall and blooming.

Greenhouse Anderson

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You should prune your poinsettia around the beginning of September. It will likely bloom around Christmas, depending on available light.

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Can I revive a poinsettia in autumn when all the leaves are gone?

Greenhouse Anderson

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Probably not. Plants often lose their leaves due to inadequate or excessive watering and lack of fertilizer.

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What is the best time to prune a poinsettia?

Greenhouse Anderson

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Late August. Allow enough time to develop new shoots that will produce flowers.

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Is it too late to cut back poinsettia pot plants in the second half of October?

Greenhouse Anderson

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Yes. Doing so would remove the flowers that are about to show color.

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When should I cut the blooms off a poinsettia, or should I wait until they dry and fall off?

Greenhouse Anderson

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Modern poinsettia varieties can have blooms that last for months. If your plant is healthy and in a sunny location, cut off the blooms in late winter and apply fertilizer to encourage new growth.

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My poinsettia was beautiful, but it got aphids, and I sprayed it with neem oil. The plant now has damaged limbs. Can I trim back the entire plant to save and regrow it for the holidays?

Greenhouse Anderson

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Yes, you can save it. Trim back the entire plant in March and place it in a sunny window. Apply fertilizer every three weeks until the middle of September.

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Is it too late in mid-August to prune my poinsettia?

Greenhouse Anderson

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Mid-summer is a great time to prune your poinsettia to shorten it. With proper care, you'll have flowers by early winter.

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