Still going strong

[Tee Gee]

These were my Poinsettia plants being watered this morning, they were bought before Christmas so I guess we are getting our monies-worth. Basil looks as if it can do with a drink as well.

[Tee Gee]

[Plot 18]

Well done - What's the story of your success? I never seem to keep them alive for more than a couple of weeks :(

[BarriedaleNick]

Mine is still alive but only through sheer ignorance - I've literally ignored it.  I overwatered it so I stopped watering it and it seemed to like that - now the leaves have stopped falling off it seems to be stable.

Why are they so hard to keep? 

[Tee Gee]

Why are they so hard to keep? 

They are foreigners originating in Mexico,and don't like the English weather! A bit like me at times


Again like me: During the flowering period, they like to be kept out of direct sunlight, and protected from hot or cold draughts.

They prefer a night temperature of 16°-18°C (60-65°F) and a day temperature of 18°C (65° F)

The soil should be kept uniformly moist, possibly requiring watering 2-3 times a week.

Fertilize every 2 weeks with a solution of houseplant fertilizer at 1 tsp per gallon.

After blooming reduce the amount of water and allow the plant to go dormant.

Move poinsettia to cooler position but not below 10°C (50°F)

[BarriedaleNick]

Blimey and Cheers - That explains why my MiL was so pleased to have kept hers going for a few months.
Given all that I'll think I'll give them a miss in future..