Enjoying a poinsettia plant during holidays is truly a rewarding experience, but what happens after? Poinsettias usually go into a dormant stage and won’t look as fabulous as they used to.
Luckily, there are a couple of cultivars that can grow and thrive even after the holidays!
All it takes is to follow a specific plant care regimen, including careful watering, repotting, and also adding amendments to the soil that will keep your poinsettias healthy year-round. There’s one secret ingredient that will make sure your plant keeps thriving for a long time.
In this article, we are going to talk about that secret ingredient and share some tips on how to use it. Keep reading to find out more about how to have a thriving poinsettia all year round!
It’s All About Coffee Grounds!
Looking for simple ways to give your garden and houseplants a boost? Coffee grounds could be just the thing you need! Not only do they help improve soil health, but they can also work wonders for a variety of plants, including your beloved poinsettia!
Most gardeners already know that spent coffee grounds make a good soil supplement. They improve the drainage and provide nutrients that will attract earthworms. Coffee grounds added to plants help with the pH levels, slightly raising the soil’s pH.
You can add coffee grounds to houseplants too, including our lovely poinsettia. The most important thing you should keep in mind while using coffee grounds for your poinsettia is timing.
Related: Why And How To Use Coffee Ground In Plants.
When To Start Throwing Coffee Grounds
These plants have specific needs during different times in their growing stages. When to add coffee grounds is determined by your fertilization habits.
The best time to add coffee grounds is right after the blooming season and before the plant starts to form new buds, so usually between late April and early September.
Pruning and adding soil amendments should be done approximately at the same time because pruning is also recommended after the blooming period.
During the summer, you need to take your poinsettia outside as well. Soil amendment and trimming should be completed before you proceed to taking your poinsettia outdoors.
You shouldn’t add coffee grounds during the dormant stage (from mid-September through December) because the plant needs time to store energy and prepare for the new blooming cycle. Extra nutrients aren’t necessary when the poinsettia is “blooming”.
If you have issues with poinsettia flowering, make sure to check: 6 Steps For Making A Poinsettia Flower Again
Check Out The Best Way To Add Coffee Grounds
Now that we’ve established when is the perfect time to add coffee grounds to your Christmas plant, the question is how to do it properly.
Actually, there are a couple of ways you can amend coffee grounds in the soil. For starters, you can simply mix in some used coffee grounds when you plan to pot or repot your precious plant.
Just like peat moss, vermiculite, sand, or any other soil amendment, add coffee grounds to the soil and then fill out the container in which you plan to grow the poinsettia.
If you are growing it outdoors, you can use a trowel or your hand to work coffee grounds into the ground. But, you can also dig a hole and add coffee grounds in before planting the poinsettia.
After you’ve added soil amendments, water your poinsettia lightly and wait until the top few inches of the soil have dried before watering it again. Using a tiny trowel or spoon, stir coffee grounds into the top layer of soil for container poinsettias.
Another fun way to use coffee grounds with your poinsettia is by creating a coffee ground mulch. Just sprinkle a light layer of used coffee grounds around the base of the plant, making sure not to cover the stems.
This method is a win-win – it helps keep the soil moist, reduces weed growth, and releases valuable nutrients as the grounds break down. The nitrogen boost will keep your poinsettia thriving and looking healthy throughout the season!
For an extra nutrient kick, why not mix the coffee grounds with compost or leaf mulch? This combo helps balance out the soil, providing the perfect mix of nutrients and good drainage.
But, a little goes a long way! Too much coffee can make the soil too acidic, so be sure to use it sparingly and keep an eye on how your poinsettia reacts. With the right balance, it’s a simple way to keep your plant happy and vibrant all through the holidays!
Related: Are Coffee Grounds Good For Roses? All The Answers
Benefits Of Coffee Grounds For Poinsettias
Coffee grounds are more than just a way to kickstart your morning – they’re a hidden gem for your poinsettias!
With essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, coffee grounds give your plant the boost it needs to stay vibrant and healthy.
By adding them to the soil, you’re helping your poinsettia thrive with a steady supply of nutrients that will keep it looking lush and beautiful throughout the holiday season. Who knew your daily coffee ritual could help create a more vibrant plant?
But that’s not all – coffee grounds do wonders for your soil too! When mixed in, they improve the texture, loosening compacted earth and improving drainage.
This means your poinsettia’s roots can breathe easy, soaking up the water and oxygen they need to grow strong and healthy. So, if your soil feels a little too dense or heavy, coffee grounds are the perfect solution for giving your poinsettia the best possible growing environment!
Here Are More Tips For Making Your Poinsettias Stunning
Besides coffee grounds, your poinsettias will also thrive with a little extra TLC. First up, find the perfect spot for them – bright, but not too sunny!
Poinsettias love bright, indirect light, so a cozy windowsill or a spot away from the harsh afternoon sun works best. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves, so avoid that if you want your plant to stay happy and healthy.
Watering is another important factor for keeping your poinsettia in top shape. Your plant prefers the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, so don’t be too quick to water it. A good rule of thumb is to check the top inch of the soil – if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Be sure to water thoroughly, letting the excess drain out to avoid root rot. Too much water can be just as harmful as too little, so keep that balance and your poinsettia will thank you with vibrant, healthy growth!
Poinsettias are also quite picky about temperature, so keeping them in the right environment is crucial. They prefer temperatures between 65-75°F, so make sure they’re away from cold drafts, heat vents, or radiators.
A stable, warm spot is ideal for them to flourish. If the temperature gets too extreme, your plant may drop leaves prematurely, so make sure it stays cozy and comfortable. With the right care, your poinsettia will be the star of the season, showing off its brilliant colors!
With this secret ingredient, your poinsettia will be the star of your home long after the holidays are over!