Reasons for Poinsettia Leaf Drop and How to Handle It

Poinsettia is both a flowering plant and a foliage plant. Its flowers bloom in a brilliant red, and its leaves start out green and turn red in autumn, giving it a very festive feel, so poinsettias are used to decorate the scene at some large celebrations. But during care, I believe everyone has encountered the situation of poinsettia leaves dropping, so what is going on with poinsettia leaf drop? Let's take a look.

1. Light that is too strong

Poinsettia is a short-day plant and must never be exposed to direct strong light. In summer, with high temperatures and strong light, once intense sunlight shines directly on the leaves of the poinsettia, and combined with poor ventilation, the poinsettia leaves are likely to drop because of high temperature and dryness.

Handling method: In summer, place the poinsettia plant in a well-ventilated location to avoid exposure to the blazing sun, and provide a suitably shaded spot. It is best to keep a distance of 50 cm between pots, and spray water on the ground frequently to increase air humidity and lower the temperature.

2. Low temperature

Poinsettia likes a warm, humid and cool climate and is not cold-tolerant. The suitable growing temperature is between 15-20 degrees. In winter, the surrounding environment must be kept above 15 degrees, otherwise the leaves of the poinsettia will fall off. In winter, if it is hit by cold wind, it will also cause a large number of poinsettia leaves to drop.

Handling method: When the temperature drops in winter, you need to find a way to raise the temperature and keep the plant in a relatively stable indoor environment for care. By mid-October, place it in a warm, south-facing sunny spot to ensure it is not exposed to cold wind that causes leaf drop.

3. Improper watering

Poinsettia fears both dryness and waterlogging. If the potting soil is too wet, the poinsettia cannot carry out photosynthesis well, which causes poor nutrition in the plant and leaf drop; but if the potting soil is too dry, it causes physiological water shortage in the poinsettia, making the leaves curl and drop in large numbers.

Handling method: If leaf drop is caused by overwatering, place the poinsettia in a ventilated, shady spot, give it plenty of light during the day, let the moisture in the soil dry out, and then resume normal watering. When it rains, drain the water promptly or move it indoors. When the potting soil is dry, water it promptly as well, but grasp the amount and frequency of watering well.

4. Improper fertilizing

Poinsettia likes fertilizer and has a relatively high demand for nitrogen fertilizer during the growing period. If the nitrogen supply is insufficient, it will also cause the lower leaves to drop, but you must also pay attention to controlling fertilization, because applying nitrogen fertilizer will cause leggy growth.

Handling method: In addition to the base fertilizer used when potting, within one month after pinching, apply a dilute fermented liquid fertilizer once every 7 days. Do not apply too much. Do not fertilize during the flowering period, otherwise it will cause the leaf bracts to scorch. Before bringing it indoors in winter, apply a small amount of compound fertilizer, which helps it overwinter.

  The above is an introduction to the reasons for poinsettia leaf drop and how to handle it. I hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.