Poinsettia trimming in the Spring...?

I've got two gorgeous poinsettias - about 12 inches tall and 6 or 7 3/8" branches each. They are still bright red and have flowers (little balls) that look lively. Each branch may only have one or two green leaves, if that. They are also starting to grow new leaves by the flowers (about 1/2 inch long now.) It's late March... I read stuff that says to cut them back to anywhere from 2 inches to 8 inches tall. There aren't any leaves on the first 4 or 5 inches of the stems/branches. I also recently re potted them into 8 inch pots.


How far do I want to cut them back, or do I even need to? Do I need to cut all of the red leaves (bracts) off? I'd like to have them out to show in my house until October when they have to go in the dark to turn red. I'd also like it if they grew a few inches taller, heck, wouldn't mind 3 feet either, but also got denser. What are the keys to trimming them back and keeping them looking sharp - I'm a bit horticulturally illiterate, but am enjoying growing them.

Poinsettia trimming in the Spring...?
Cut them back to about 6 to 8 inches. It does not matter that they don't have leaves. If you take care of it, it will come back out great. Keep them from drying out, but do not over water. I'd make sure all of the red leaves were cut off. It will get denser, but don't expect 3 feet tall. Cut them with a very sharp knife and keep in a good window or in a greenhouse. I'd even keep them outside during the summer.
Reply:I don't know much about cutting them back but I wanted to tell you I broken one of my limbs off and just off hand stuck it in some water and it has rooted and had put on leaves.





I was quite surprised!





nfd♥
Reply:My doctors office has one and they have not cut it back, it is huge and beautiful.


Make sure you have them in the dark in order for the leaves to turn red.

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