| the leaves unfold is this buggy or normal? when can i prune it? how can i keep them in a vase? |
| If you see no signs of insects, the leaves are probably acting normally. Poinsettias should be pruned in early spring after blooming is over and the danger of frost has passed. They should be cut back to within 12 to 18 inches . Pinching the plant during growing season will result in a compact plant at flowering time. After four weeks or when it is 12 inches long, new growth should be cut back, leaving four leaves on each shoot. This procedure should be repeated every time the new growth develops until about September 10. New growth after the last pinch will usually grow to a length of 8 to 10 inches and, in the first week of October, will initiate flower buds. While it is possible to cut the colorful leaves to put in a vase, the plant contains a thick latex like fluid and when cut it will drain into the water of your vase. It's best to keep a poinsettia potted up in a container and take the whole plant indoors if you wish to use it for decoration over the holidays. |
