Pontsettias...life or death situation...

[Nicos]

So I am now the proud owner of two huge/expensive pontsettias which , in normal cercumstances , would have a life span of a couple of weeks before all the green leves drop off.
I usually, therefore, consider them as an expensive bunch of flowers ( like the Xmas tree) but with all you experts out there...surely this year - with your advice-they might just make it beyond New Year??
I have tried under watering/ over watering/ next to the radiator/room temp of 24oC ....what on earth am I doing wrong??

[nick the grief]

Here you go Nicos, try this

http://www.mrgrow.com/Tips/tips197.htm

[Alison]

OH bought me one a few Christmases ago which lasted until about the following November. Didn't really do anything special and it lived in the lounge throughout. Remember when we went to Madiera a few years ago they had huge ones there - big tree things and was told that they have problems keeping them small enough!

[Alice]

Hello Nicos, sometimes the damage is done to Ponsettias before you buy them, or on the way home. They don't like draughts and sudden changes in temperature. Once home, they don't like it too warm, so I wouldn't put it beside the radiator, and definately not in direct sun light at a window. They like a regular watering but not too wet or dry. I think the most important thing is to mist them over every day. If you get them over the initial period they can last right through to the next year. I had one which even made coloured bracts in the second year without doing anything special to it. Good luck, hope they do well for you.

[Nicos]

Never tried spraying it before...thanks for that!

[Crazy Chickie]

I had one that lasted about a year before giving up on me. Think Alice is right, aboout the growing conditions and definately the misting if I remember rightly. Personally I think they are too much hassle, I like my house plants hardy enough to withstand my wonton neglect (too much time spent in the garden)

[GeordieVik]

can I just add...

nothing to do with care / cultivation of poinsettias, but I have just looked up whether they are in fact poisonous (I had always believed this to be the case, and avoided because of 2 stupid plant-eating cats, and now a 2.5 year old son) - it's an urban myth, they aren't poisonous at all!

http://gardening.about.com/od/winter...insettia_2.htm

http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/p/poinsettias.htm

http://oror.essortment.com/arepoinsettias_rfpo.htm

and before I read these, I passed up the offer of a lovely plant, just last week!

Thought that might interest some of you

Vik

[Nicos]

Oh ..so in time of need I can eat it then???.....

[Lesley Jay]

Are you on a diet Nicos???

[Nicos]

as if!!!!!

[Lesley Jay]

As if indeed!! Don't worry I won't sneak up on you with a camera!!!!

[Nicos]

You are more than welcome to sneak up!!..Nothing to hide! ( just wonder if the monitor screen is big enough to fit me in!!!!)

[Alice]

How are Ponsettias doing

Hello Nicos, just wondered how you got on with your Ponsettias - and everybody elses. Mine is still doing fine. Took this pic today.

[JennieAtkinson]

Mine died within four days. I think the dog was licking it!

[Alice]

What a shame Jennie ! But as I said before, I think sometimes the damage is done before we buy them. Being exposed to cold winds etc during delivery.