How do I keep a poinsetta alive to flower next year?
Poinsettias, native to Mexico, are perennials and needn’t be dumped in the compost bin when the holidays are over. The best way to enable them to bloom another year is to gradually withhold water to cause the leaves to yellow and fall, inducing dormancy. Leaving the stems intact, store the potted plant in a cool place (about 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit). Water sparingly, without fertilizer, just enough to keep the roots from drying out. In the spring, place the plant in a warm room and prune the stems back to about 6 inches above the soil. Repot the plant with a garden soil mix that contains at least 25 percent composted organic matter. Once the danger of frost is gone (about mid-May for our region), sink the pot outdoors in the garden where it will get some wind protection and where it will receive sun most of the day. Light shade during the hottest part of the summer afternoon is desirable. Lift the pot occasionally to keep roots from growing into the surrounding soil. As new shoots
