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Post by Suzy R Sopham on Dec 20, 2009 7:23:56 GMT
Someone gave me a poinsettia on Monday - I've never had one before.
Since then, it has dropped at least one leaf every day! There will only be a stick left by Christmas day if it carries on!
I check to see if it is dry and when it is I give it a bit of water but don't drown it. What on earth am I doing wrong?
Poinsettias are not just for Christmas - but it looks like this one could be!
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Post by rosieduck on Dec 20, 2009 8:24:02 GMT
good morning, cold innit! I always have poinsettas at christmas, three infact. One in each bit of my bow window. It's a traditition and actually a bit of a joke 'cos I can never keep them, until last year! These little plants don't like to be in a draft, the water you give them must as far as I know must be tepid. I've been told that cold water shocks the roots which can cause leaf drop. I always water from the bottom and let the plant drink the water, empty any water that is left. They don't like it too warm either. It's a bit of a lottery keeping them going I think and the plant has to be of a good quality and not have been kept in the cold before you get it. I hope this helps a little bit I'm not an expert but I like a challenge. Good luck Rose
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Post by Suzy R Sopham on Dec 21, 2009 3:42:16 GMT
Thank you Rose.
It obviously won't like my watering method then since I just put some cold tap water straight onto the soil!
I'll try tepid water applied at the base and see what happens.
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Post by Grumpy Ole-Gitt on Dec 31, 2009 8:32:06 GMT
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Post by Grumpy Ole-Gitt on Dec 31, 2009 8:33:38 GMT
P.S. Mine is now at it's third Christmas, and it was a cheap do from Lidlin 2007.
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Post by sarah on Dec 31, 2009 22:22:24 GMT
Thank you Grumpy, I don't suppose you have the magic touch with christmas cactus? I have a beautifull pink one, which I watered luke warmish from the kettle so it's just damp - I hope still has flowers in the morning. Well done for lasting 3 years - the mog gave me a giant one (plant that is) a few years ago and I killed it before the new year!! (whistles). hey ho. xx
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Post by Suzy R Sopham on Jan 1, 2010 8:30:06 GMT
Thank you for your advice everyone.
I have changed my watering method and although it is still dropping leaves, it is also making new shoots at the top so all is not lost yet.
Reading the link Grumpy put on, it may be that it is getting a draught as it is in the kitchen where we use the outside door a few times each day.
I may move it to a different room!
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Post by Suzy R Sopham on Jan 9, 2010 7:19:09 GMT
All is not lost - well, not quite!
It has now lost most of its leaves/flowers BUT I think the change of watering method has made a difference as I have lots of new shoots beginning to show along the poor bare branches now!
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Post by Grumpy Ole-Gitt on Jan 10, 2010 8:13:37 GMT
That does happen. I too have a plant losing its leaves; It is a cream one. It was bought last year and measured 3". It is now 12" tall. This is the stage when most folk would heave it, as it too ha only a few new leaves at the growth points, but I will persevere.
Here comes the warning: - I accidentally left it standing in water after watering it. Once was enough!
Let's hope that normal development can be restored, or I will look like a complete fraud.
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