Many people enjoy the beautiful Poinsettia flowers during the holiday season. But can you leave them out in cold winter weather? The answer is not an easy one to find, but we’ve done some research and found some helpful information on the topic! Let’s take a look at what we learned…
Can Poinsettias Be Left Out in The Cold?
Poinsettias are tropical plants, so they cannot be left outdoors when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If you put your poinsettias outside and they freeze, then it could kill them.
They should remain inside until the weather warms up again. When you bring them back in, be sure to place your poinsettias where they will receive some sunlight and water when necessary.
Please note: if your plants do freeze due to cold temperatures, then it does not mean that you need to throw them out or kill them. It is possible to revive them, so do not give up hope!
Just remember that they will have a lot of damage, and it may take some time for your poinsettias to recover from the cold weather.
How Do You Keep a Poinsettia From Getting Too Cold?
You can help prevent your poinsettia from getting too cold by keeping it in a warm and draft-free area. Be sure to place the plant away from windows as these can be colder than other surfaces.
You can also help to keep your poinsettia warm by placing a blanket around the plant. Another great idea is to place it next to an indoor fireplace or heat vent, as these will help provide warmth for your plant during the winter months.
However, don’t place the plant too close to these heat sources, as this can dry out the plant. You may need to water your poinsettia more often if you put it near a heat source, so keep that in mind when placing it!
Can I Put My Poinsettia Outside for a Short Period of Time?
Yes, you can place your poinsettia outside for a short period of time. If you have snow, then this will create a beautiful Christmas picture! However, putting a poinsettia outside, even for a short period of time, can stress the plant.
Stress is bad as it can lead to your poinsettias losing their leaves. This is not the end of your plant, but it does mean that you will need to take better care of it for a while until any damage is fixed.
You can place your poinsettias outside in a protected area such as on an enclosed porch or under a covered patio. This way they still get some protection from the cold and windy weather.
If you do put your poinsettias outside for a short period of time, then make sure to bring them in when it starts to snow or rain. If the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (or if there’s ice), then don’t place your plant outdoors at all!
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you want your poinsettias to survive the winter, then they should either stay indoors or be brought inside when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit until spring.
I hope this information has been helpful, and I wish you happy holidays with your poinsettias!
Tim is an avid gardener from the UK. He was the founder of PlantCarer.com from 2021 to Sep 2023. He sold PlantCarer.com to Aaron. He has since started his own business called Seed To Supper, which provides new gardeners all the materials you need in a box (pots, seeds, compost and instructions) to grow your own delicious and nutritious vegetables and herbs from start to finish – no garden required.
Thank you so much for the info.
Can they grow any more tolerant to NC winters?
It’s essential to understand that while Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) can tolerate cooler temperatures for short periods, they are sensitive to frost and cold drafts. In North Carolina winters, where temperatures can vary widely, it’s best to err on the side of caution and protect your Poinsettias from freezing temperatures. While Poinsettias can acclimate to outdoor conditions over time, they are still considered tropical plants and may not withstand prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. To help your Poinsettias become more tolerant to North Carolina winters, you can gradually introduce them to outdoor conditions during milder weather, ensuring they have adequate protection from frost and cold drafts. Additionally, selecting cold-hardy varieties and providing proper care, such as regular watering and fertilization, can help improve their resilience. However, it’s important to monitor weather forecasts and take appropriate measures to protect your Poinsettias during periods of extreme cold.